By Staff
Russell Winfield Everett, 84, of Ft. Pierce FL, passed away quietly at home after a courageous battle with cancer late Sunday, September 26, 2010. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2010, at Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church in Ft. Valley, GA. Interment will be in the church cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2010, at the church in Ft. Valley.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Martha Collins Everett. Their children, Paul Collins Everett, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, and Elizabeth Lloyd Everett, Port St. Lucie, FL and Grandchildren Kevin Thomas Clark, Ft. Pierce, FL, and Stella Sydney Everett, Chincoteague, VA, remain. By his first marriage he is survived by sons Russell W. Everett, Jr. and David C. Everett and Grandchildren Sheri, Jennifer, Brandy, Natalie and David. His Brother James H. Everett and wife Sandy also survive him.
Russell was born to the late Howard and Lottie Everett on January 31, 1926. Russell lived most of his life on Chincoteague Island VA but he and Martha retired and moved from Virginia to their home in Ft. Pierce, FL where they have lived for the last four years. Russell was born at Long Acre, NC and went to school in Washington, NC where he spent his childhood with his parents and brothers until he joined the United States Navy. He served in World War II on the USS Fogg Destroyer Escort-56 and took various courses in the Navy that formally trained him as an electrician. After the war, he came back to North Carolina and worked in Plymouth NC before going to Norfolk VA where he joined Union IBEW, Chapter 80. In this position he was able to travel when an electrician was needed, while continuing to learn different aspects of his trade. Looking for new experiences, he took a job with Doyle and Russell, a construction company based in Norfolk. His time with them led him to a job with Mechanical Engineering, as a superintendent for a contract on Wallops Island, VA. He then met and married Martha on May 24, 1960. Russell then used his gathered knowledge and natural business acumen to start his own business, the Everett Corporation. With the help of the late Wyle Maddox, Sr. he was able to obtain Bonding for several large contracts with both Wallops Island and Chincoteague Naval Air Station. When the Air Station became NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Russell realized the need for various types of tourist and hospitality businesses on nearby Chincoteague Island. He started by building the Mariner Motel, purchasing the Sea Hawk Motel, and Virginia Fried Chicken, and then built his first restaurant, the Flagship. He was offered the opportunity to buy Salt Marsh Island, just before the original Chincoteague Bridge and later sold the island to Tiller and Tull. He had many holdings, among them being Wm. C. Bunting Oyster Company, Conant Brothers Building Supply, The Surf Clam Co. in Atlantic, VA. The Surf Clam Co. caused the need for more sea clam boats to dock in Chincoteague to supply the product so that led to the ownership of several fishing vessels for commercial use. He purchased several tracts of land on Main Street North of the bridge and these are what became the Landmark Crab House and Shucking House Cafe. Later, on Maddox Blvd., property that had belonged to Mrs. Everett’s grandfather was acquired and they built a restaurant and a retail store. Mr. Everett’s greatest accomplishment was founding The Marine Bank where he served as Director and Chairman of the Board until its sale. While he loved to work, his true talent was being an Entrepreneur. His hobby was boating and fishing and most vacations included fishing trips on the side. When Martha was asked to comment she simply stated, “It’s been quite a journey, often challenging and always interesting and rewarding.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to DBA Indian River Dialysis Center, 2150 45th St. Suite 102, Vero Beach FL 32967 or Treasure Coast Hospice, 2500 Virginia Ave., Suite 202, Ft. Pierce FL 34981. His family would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Erol Atamer, Dr. Michelle Maholtz, Dr. William McGarry and especially Dr. Richard Handler, his Nephrologist, along with the wonderful caring staff at Indian River Dialysis Center. They would also like to recognize the caring nurses of Treasure Coast Hospice and Nightingales Private Duty Nurses.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Watson-Hunt Funeral Home, 1208 Main Street, Perry GA and the services by Christ’s Sanctified Holy Church, 2500 N. Hwy. 41, Fort Valley, GA, 31030. Officiating are the Revs. D. K. Collins and Harry Collins, III.
Condolences may be left for the family in the online register at www.watsonhunt.com.
Paid Obituary