Russ Craver

Russell Collin Craver, 50, of Lexington, died Tuesday after a short illness.

There will be no public visitation but friends are invited to pay their respects from 2-6pm Sunday at Davidson Funeral Home. A private burial will be held.

A public celebration will be announced at a later date.

Russ was born May 17, 1973, to Gary Craver and Lynn Bulla Beck in Lexington. He was a graduate of Lexington Senior High and Central Piedmont Community College, and attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Russ was a fixture at Lexington Barbecue, where he worked for more than 33 years. He was a friend to many and enjoyed traveling around the world with his sister, Lydia.

Russ was a music aficionado and concert junkie with a wide range of tastes including Journey, Rush, Bruce Springsteen, The Killers, U2, Air Supply and The Connells. He enjoyed trips to Fenway Park and Fort Myers, Florida, the spring training home of his beloved Boston Red Sox. Russ traveled extensively, including to 14 countries and countless national and state parks. His favorite international stops included London, Budapest, Cinque Terre and Lucerne. Manhattan also was a favorite for its architecture and holiday decor. He loved his home, and historical aspects of Lexington and Davidson County.

He is survived by his mother, Lynn; his father, Gary (Marlis); and his sister, Lydia. Grandfather Don Bulla, girlfriend Tracy Varner and cat Vandy also survive Russ.

Memorials in his honor may be made to Uptown Lexington, the National Park Service or a charity of the donor’s choice.