Russell Andrew Golden

May 31, 2024

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."

Russell Andrew Golden, 78, the son of the late James Arthur Golden and Minne Belle Ellison Golden entered into eternal rest at Sentara CarePlex Hospital on Friday, May 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his eldest brother, Benjamin "Benny" Golden.

He was raised in the Garden City area of Hampton, Virginia (now known as Wythe) and attended George P. Phenix High School. After high school, he was drafted to serve as a Marine Engineer as a reservist in the United States Army. Upon completion of his Army commitment, Russell began his career as a Machinist at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. He was committed to his trade, working long hours, and rarely missing a day of work and would say he could not be seen "loafing."

As a member of Sturgeon Point Hunt Club in Charles City, Virginia, he enjoyed preparing for opening day, you could see and feel his excitement. Russell also enjoyed fishing at the James River Pier, on the Chesapeake Bay, and at other local spots around Hampton and Newport News. His catch(es) would often be part of one of his favorite breakfast meals, fish and grits.

Although Russell was a quiet man, he was fierce in the kitchen. This is where he taught his daughters how to cook, bake, butcher, as well as can and pickle fruits and vegetables. There was nothing he could not make but he was known for his desserts. Family and friends loved his homemade, from scratch apple pies and his infamous multilayer coconut cake that was dubbed "The Russell Cake."  You could taste the love in everything he made.

After 43 years of dedicated service with Newport News Shipbuilding, Russell devoted his time to spending it with his family, traveling, hunting and fishing when he could, gardening, doing lawncare with his brother, and watching science fiction and westerns on television. Throughout his illnesses, he remained steadfast to his wife, pushing through with no complaints.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 50 years, Lois Golden; two daughters Pamela (Daniel Jr.) Orie and Karen (Marcus) Young; four grandchildren, Nia, Kyan, Mya, and Kaiden; his sister, Annie Ophelia Golden; brothers, James Earl Golden, Alvin (Henrietta) Golden, Alvis (Hilda) Golden, and Arthur Lee (Jacqueline) Golden and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing will be from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024 at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens in Hampton, Virginia. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.