Mr. J. Paul Russell was the owner and operator of Russell Hosiery, one of the largest employers in the area during the era of the textile mills. With his wife Blanche, Mr. Russell operated the textile mill locally and a sales office in New York. The Russells were also active members in both the church and in the community. Their leadership and generosity helped to fund, build, and maintain many of our local public institutions. Mr. Russell served as a county commissioner, on the hospital board, and also as the President of the Central North Carolina Boy Scout Council.