Russell E. Manning, 73, of Surveyor, passed away December 14, 2025.
Born February 23, 1952, in Glen Rogers. He was the youngest child of the late Ralph Manning and Geraldine Tolley Manning.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers Michael Manning and Roger Manning, a nephew, Robert Manning, and his father-in-law and mother -in-law, John (Joe) and Viola Barry.
Russell was of strong Christian faith. He was a member of Eccles First Baptist Church, where he was known as the Candy Man. He loved music, especially Christian music.
He was an avid outdoorsmen and loved spending time with his brothers, father-in-law, son-in-law, and grandsons. He always cheered for the Mountaineers football and basketball teams. Russell loved golf - playing, crafting clubs for others, and sharing his passion by teaching the game. He discovered a love of painting and enjoyed bladesmithing.
He worked in the coal mines as an electrician for 48 years. He received a Business Degree from Mountain State University. He worked for Senator Joe Manchin. He retired as a WV State Mining Inspector.
Those left to treasure his memory are his sweetheart since seventh grade and wife of 55 years, Julia Manning; two daughters, Lisa and her husband Neil Austen, of Beckley, and Sherri and her husband Randy Ellis, of Daniels; six grandsons, of whom he was very proud, Aaron Clemens, Zachary Bolon, his wife Shannon, Kadin Ellis, Kolby Ellis, Koen Ellis, and Kristian Ellis; two step-grandchildren, Jerry Austen and Emma Austen; two great-granddaughters, Madelyn and Kierstin Clemens; a sister, Ann Maben of Baltimore, MD; two brothers, Patrick Manning and his wife Jeannie of York, PA, and Nathan Manning and his wife Sara, of Surveyor; a host of nieces and nephews, each of whom he loved.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gary Poling for being such a good friend and doctor over the years. Also, special thanks to Nurse Stacey, for always being kind and caring.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, WV. Friends may call starting at 12:00 pm until the start of the service. There will be a private burial service for the family.
Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center has the honor of serving the Manning family during this difficult time. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Russell's tribute page.