John Plylar, Sr.

John Russell Plylar, Sr., 91, passed away on March 24, 2010 at the Odyssey (hospice) inpatient house in Peoria, AZ. He wanted to be remembered as a family man and ‘regular guy’. His compassion for others, his wonderful sense of humor, and his belief in maintaining standards of the highest integrity, inspired family and friends alike. Russell brought joy and comfort to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Elizabeth Ann, his only son Russ, his daughter-in-law Deborah, his grandchildren David Plylar and Vanessa Kisicki, and two lovely great grandchildren Lauren and Corinne. Russell grew up in Jasper, AL and was a graduate of Walker County HS. He moved to Chillocothe, MO to attend Chillocothe Business College where he met the love of his life Elizabeth Ann. After serving in the Army during WWII, Russell began a long relationship as controller for Sears Roebuck & Co. The family lived for 12 years in Durham, NC. where he was a member of Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church and where he began his 52 years as a member of Fellowship (Masonic) Lodge No. 687, Durham. In 1965, he was transferred to Winston-Salem, NC where he retired from Sears in 1980. Russell was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, the Winston-Salem Twin City Host Lions, and the Sears Retiree Club. During his retirement he spent many years as a volunteer to help people with income taxes, help set up small businesses through the REV program, and play golf with his buddies. He and Elizabeth Ann enjoyed visiting family and taking vacations with Russ and Deborah. He and Elizabeth Ann made the difficult decision to move to Phoenix, AZ to be with family in the summer of 2005. A memorial service was held for Russell at the Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel in Sun City, AZ and he was laid to rest at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem, NC. Condolences may be sent to Elizabeth Ann Plylar, 10639 N Aberdeen Rd., Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends support their favorite hospice organization.