Russell “Russ” Douglas Gavitt, 83, of Salisbury, N.C., passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at home surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born on September 23, 1938, in Torrington, Conn., to the late Russell and Evelyn Douglas Gavitt. He was a member of Centre Presbyterian Church in Mooresville. Russ was a Boy Scout, Eagle Scout, and Scout Leader for over 70 years. He received his Scouting Silver Beaver and Wood Badge awards. Russ enjoyed a 30-year career with 3M and retired as a Sales Executive specializing in Government Sales within the Industrial Products sector. Never one to sit still, he then focused on personal investments along with his passion for travel and photography. He and his wife traveled both the U.S. and internationally in pursuit of that shared passion. His hobby turned into a business where he sold his work at various art shows and gift shops in Davidson, N.C.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy Hamilton Gavitt; children, Elizabeth Testa (Gus), Donna Policz (Jamie), Linda Bristol (Alan), and David Gavitt (Cheryl); brother-in-law, George W. Hamilton; grandchildren, Kevin and Jason Testa, Alexandra and John Patton, Brittany Bristol Brown, and Will Bristol; and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bruce Gurdon Gavitt.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, at the Chapel at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or JAARS, P.O. Box 248, Waxhaw, NC 28173, or Boy Scout Troop 173, c/o Nena Bleckley, 129 Sink Farm Road, Mooresville, NC 28115.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Gavitt family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.