Obituary of Russell Elliott Brummitt

Mr. Russell “Elliott” Brummitt, 85, died Thursday morning at Chatham Ridge Assisted Living, surrounded by his family.

Elliott was born on June 8, 1933 to the late James Russell Brummitt and Blanche Ethel Eakes in Henderson, NC. Elliott grew up in Henderson on his family farm with two older sisters.  Upon graduating from high school as valedictorian of his class, Elliott embarked on quite the journey pursuing many talents, interests, and exploration of the world.

Elliott completed college at UNC with a degree in pharmacy.  He went on to serve 2 years in the U.S. Army as a medic during the U.S. Occupation of Germany. After his service, he began his career as a pharmacist and business owner.

He was full of entrepreneurial spirit. He owned Roger’s Drug Store in Durham, NC as well as Sutton’s Drug Store on Franklin St. in Chapel Hill, NC.  In the 1970s, Elliott expressed his artistic talents through the study and art of making jewelry. His passion for fine jewelry and gemology led him to sell Sutton’s Drug Store and purchase Charles Hopkins Jewelry, where he spent the next 20 years crafting and designing hundreds of memorable custom pieces, while continuing as a relief pharmacist for many nearby pharmacies.  He ended his long career of work at the age of 75 at UNC Hospitals as a pharmacist and the go-to-translator for spanish speaking patients.

Along his journey, Elliott had many hobbies and interests. He loved to travel, learn new languages, play new instruments (such as the steel guitar), and fly his plane. Elliott’s most beloved hobby was ballroom dancing, which he perfected. He and his wife, Charlene, danced at least once weekly for over 40 years.

Elliott met new people with an excited friendliness, even during the last 10 years as he suffered with Alzheimer's.  Although his memory drifted away, his excitement to see you and his sense of humor was unwavering. His humor and quick wit will always be remembered by those that love him.

Mr. Brummitt is survived by his wife, Charlene Jones Brummitt of Chapel Hill; son, Russell Elliott Brummitt, Jr., and his wife, Mimi, of Raleigh, NC; daughters, Patricia Brummitt and her husband, Ethan Smith, of Chapel Hill, NC, Laurie Brummitt, and her husband, Ashish Bhattarai, of Morrisville, NC, Cathy Hodges, of Chapel Hill, NC; and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Chapel Hill, 1321 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514  on Saturday, August 18th, 2018 at 10am.  

Memorials in Mr. Brummitt's name may be directed to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL, 60601.  http://www.alz.org

The Brummitt family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.