Thomas Adrian Russell

Thomas Adrian Russell, known affectionately by friends and family as Tom, passed away at the age of 75 on April 24, 2024, in Sea Level, North Carolina. He was born on October 30, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Frederick, Maryland. His parents were Robert Welsh Russell, Sr. and Margaret Elizabeth Russell.

Tom was a woodworker extraordinaire, master boat builder and cabinet maker. His work as a competitive boat builder brought him national recognition and numerous awards. Tom later transitioned to judging, teaching, and mentoring. He shared his knowledge and love for woodworking and boat building with countless individuals, including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts up and down the East Coast.

Tom's shop, Sea Level Woodworks, was often more of a social gathering place instead of a workshop. His ability to spin stories was well-known among his friends and others that would stop by just to say hello and end up staying for hours.

In the last three years, he took up cooking with the same meticulous nature he brought to his woodworking, becoming an amazing cook. Some of his specialties were buttermilk biscuits, shrimp creole, bang bang shrimp tacos, and orange chicken.

The legacy Tom will leave with his family and friends is reflective of his love for them all and the love they had for him. Each person that knew him will always remember his tall tales, spirited debates, sense of humor and passionate outlook on life.

Tom is survived by his wife, Robin Pitten of Sea Level, NC; his sons, Frank Russell and Ron Murdock; daughter-in-law Amelia Russell-Hoyt; his brothers, Russ Russell and his wife Margaret Mary, and Steve Russell; his sisters, Betsy Russell and Helen Russell; and granddaughter, Grace Russell and nieces and nephews, Jett Russell, Ian Russell, Kyle Russell, Amber Snyder, Josh Pitten, Tabby Pitten, Lindsey Kassman, and Kelly Irvin.

A celebration of life for Tom will be held from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, on October 26, 2024, at Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center in Beaufort, NC.

In lieu of flowers or gifts you may donate to Carteret County Humane Society,

cchsshelter.com or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.org

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.