March 2, 2025, 73, Goldsboro —

Dr. Russell Allen Moots – faithful husband, dedicated father and grandfather, and teacher and example to many–passed away in Pikeville, NC, and entered into the joy of his Lord on March 2, 2025.

Russ was born on January 9, 1952, in Lima, OH, to the late Joe and Bonnie (Connor) Moots. He spent most of his childhood in Harrod, OH, and graduated from Allen East High School. A talented athlete, he attended college on scholarship, playing both basketball and baseball. He was a proud graduate of Bluffton College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He went on to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate in Education from Louisiana Baptist University.

Russ married the love of his life, Vicky (Spellacy) Moots on August 11, 1973. Russ and Vicky moved to North Carolina in 1975 to begin working in Christian education. He would teach, coach, and serve as principal at Faith Christian Academy in Goldsboro before becoming a founding professor of education at Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, which would take him to Virginia Beach, VA, and then to Raleigh and Goldsboro, NC. Additionally, he also served as a Sunday school teacher at Faith Free Will Baptist Church for many years.

The accomplishment for which Russ was best known was helping to train hundreds of teachers for ministry in Christian schools. Seeing “his students” and hearing their latest classroom stories would always bring a smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye–and sometimes a sarcastic comment or two delivered with his characteristic dry wit. The highlight of his later years was attending the ball games, musical events, and competitions of his adoring grandchildren, even if it meant traveling halfway across the country to do so.

All who knew Russ knew that he was faithful to his family, his calling, and to his Lord. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and former students.

Russ is survived by his loving wife Vicky; his son Travis (Julie) Moots of Stella, NC; his daughter Jennifer (Sam) Smith of Afton, OK; grandchildren Thomas, Daniel, Colton, Savannah, Addie, and Bennett; and siblings Renee (Roger) McClintock of Bradenton, FL; Ron (Tina) Moots of Lafayette, OH; and Rory Moots of Arcadia, FL.

The family would like to thank the hospice teams of 3HC for their compassionate care and the friends and church family who encouraged and cared for their family during Russ’s struggle with brain cancer.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Faith Church in Goldsboro, NC from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate Russ’ life will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Faith Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Debra Lee Myer teacher education scholarship at Southeastern Free Will Baptist College.