Russell W. DeMent, Jr. of Knightdale passed away peacefully on March 17, 2017 at the family home. He was born in rural Wake County to the late Russell W. DeMent, Sr. and Helen Myrick DeMent.  He graduated from Knightdale High School and received both a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. On June 10, 1961 he married his high school sweetheart, the late Lynn Robertson DeMent.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He led by example and positively touched the lives of family and friends.  Values such as respect, kindness, decency, honor, and loyalty were a way of life for Russell.  And what a life it was.  He loved to spend time traveling with Lynn as well other outdoor pursuits including a passion for boating, hunting, and fishing.  In the years since Lynn passed, Russell was without his love and soul mate yet he lived on, continuing to enjoy life and family.  In his later years, the progression of disease limited his physical abilities, but Russell never lost his grace, good humor, and generosity of character.

Russell was a highly skilled lawyer.  Beginning his career as a prosecutor and soon thereafter becoming a general practice attorney, Russell was able to combine the attributes of a true southern gentleman and simple, persuasive oratory into a thriving legal career.  Over the years, Russell practiced many types of law, but he was ultimately known first and foremost as a criminal defense attorney.  As a result of his courtroom success, Russell received many local and national accolades.  However, the true legacy of his work is the long lasting respect and admiration from those many clients, colleagues, and adversaries who knew that they were better for their experience with him. 

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5:00 to 8:00pm, Friday, March 24, 2017 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service and Crematory, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545.

In accordance with his wishes, a casual memorial celebration of Russell’s life will be held at 4:30 pm, Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the family farm, 2204 Horton Road, Knightdale.  A private inurnment service will be held with immediate family at a later date.

Surviving Russell are his three children, Angela Lynn “Angie” DeMent and husband, John William Ormand III of Knightdale, Caren Winifred “Winnie” DeMent and husband, Joseph Howard Walsh of Key West, FL, Russell Weldon “Rusty” DeMent III and wife, Nella Johnson DeMent of Knightdale; grandchildren, John William Ormand IV, Rachel Robertson Ormand, Sabrina Madeline DeMent Walsh, Emma Frances DeMent, Russell Weldon DeMent IV, Daniel Patrick DeMent Walsh, and Carey Robertson DeMent.

Russell gave generously to numerous charitable groups over his lifetime. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in his honor to CASA, 624 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC  27605, the American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park, Suite 10, Raleigh, NC 27615, Ducks Unlimited, 3120 Hodge Road, Knightdale, NC  27545, or any other charity of your choosing.   

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