William Russell Middleton

November 18, 1932 - December 20, 2016

In Memory of William Russell Middleton III November 18, 1932 - December 20, 2016 William Russell Middleton III died peacefully Tuesday, December 20th at the age of 84 after a brief illness. Russ Middleton was born November 18, 1932 in Wilson, North Carolina to William R. (Bill) Middleton Jr, and Frances Caldwell Middleton. His father was a colonel and quartermaster in the Army, while his mother was a homemaker. Russell's concern and compassion for those less able led him to a lifetime career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the state of Georgia in Augusta. In this role, he helped those with disabilities obtain training and rehabilitation to return to the workforce. He graduated from San Marcos Academy in San Marcos, Texas in 1950, then did undergraduate work at Emory and Georgia State universities. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean conflict and quickly became company clerk due to his skill with a typewriter and his vast vocabulary. Perhaps his favorite "war" story revolved around exercises in the arctic conditions of Camp Hale, Colorado. There he would set up his typewriter with candles under the keys and use gloves with cut off fingertips. Those tricks together with lots of hot coffee kept him "in action". An excellent marksman, he lettered in Rifle Team at Emory, as well as being a top competitive shooter in the Army. He was a lifelong member of the NRA. Having a keen mechanical sense and a fondness for automobiles, he would often be found tinkering with several of his "fleet" of cars. Spring and summer evenings he nurtured his vegetable garden. And when inspiration hit, he would spend a late night in the kitchen crafting abundant quantities of his near-legendary Brunswick Stew. Russell Middleton is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Emily Gillham Middleton, sons William R "Bill" Middleton IV (Laurie) and Marshall Gillham Middleton, and sisters Tena Nelson and Patricia Middleton. Two grandsons, Gillham Thomas Middleton (Kim) and Morgan Russell Middleton. Funeral services will be held at Starling-Evans Funeral Home, 435 W. Milledgeville Road in Harlem on Friday, December 23rd beginning at 11:00 am with the Rev. Ray Whiting officiating. Visitation will follow after the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, Harlem, or to a charity of your choice. Please visit www.starling-evans.com to sign online guestbook. STARLING-EVANS FUNERAL HOME, 435 W. MILLEDGEVILLE RD. HARLEM, GA. 30814. 706-556-6524