William Russell Cartmill, 86 of Madison, passed away on Dec. 18, 2023. He was born March 5, 1937, to Leo Russell and Jane Parkins Cartmill in South Charleston, WV.
In 1960, he graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He then served two years in the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division. Mr. Cartmill then went to work for Union Carbide Spring Mills and later The Coca-Cola Company where he spent 24 years. His career took him all over the world.
Russ was married to Jane Strickland Roberts in 1990. They lived at Lake Oconee, then restored a home in Eatonton before eventually moving to Madison. They remained members of Eatonton First United Methodist Church and were especially fond of their church family.
Russ was active in The Boy Scouts of America. As an Eagle Scout, he enjoyed serving as a Scout Master. He also served as President of the Lake Oconee Properties Owners Association; United Methodist Men; and Habitat for Humanity of Putnam. He and Jane were “founding members” of The Plaza Arts Center and both were accomplished photographers.
Russ and Jane enjoyed traveling. They visited 30 foreign countries. They especially enjoyed river cruises in the U.S. and abroad. Russ earned his pilot license after retirement and started a new business, Cardinal Ventures, renting his two planes.
Russ Cartmill is survived by his wife, Jane, and two sons, Rusty Cartmill and Ken Cartmill. He leaves two grandchildren Kaileigh and their husband, Matt, and Linsey as well as a great-grandson, Kaiden. He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Christi.
The family received friends on Friday, Dec. 22 from 1-2 PM at Eatonton First United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM.