Russell Newton Barringer, 92, of Dover Rd., died Monday in Hillcrest Convalescent Center. Born March 1, 1903 in Catawba County, NC, he was the son of the late Hamilton Belton and Dorothy McKenzie Barringer.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maelee Page Barringer; four children, Amerlyis B. Costner of Johnson City, TN, Norma B. Wilson, of High Point, Russell N. Barringer, Jr., of Durham and David M. Barringer of Atlantic Beach. He is additionally survived by a sister, Nell Ikerd of Pineville, KY; a brother, Chad Barringer of Claremont, NC; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He moved to Durham in 1925. He acquired West Durham Lumber Company and served as President and CEO until retirement at age 89 in 1992. During the course of his business career he involved himself in many different enterprises providing employment to many hundreds of Durham's citizens. In 1950, he founded Dealers Supply Company which along with West Durham Lumber Company continues to be an important part of the Durham business community.

He was a benefactor of Duke University for many years culminating in the funds donated to construct Barringer Hall at the Fuqua School of Business.

A lifelong Republican, he was an active force in the party for many decades. He served as a delegate to five National Conventions and was officially honored by the state GOP as 'Mr. Republican' in 1972, the year he served as delegate to the Electoral College. He was inducted into the North Carolina Republican Hall of Fame in 1985.

A deeply religious man, he was a member of Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church where he served as both Deacon and an Elder.

He served as a Director for the North Carolina National Bank, trustee for Watts Hospital, member of the United States Small Business Administration advisory board, director of the United States Industrial Council, president of the Durham Development Corporation, Chairman of the Durham Citizens Safety Council, Vice President of the Durham Chamber of Commerce, 60 years in Kiwanis and a host of lumber and home building business organizations.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday 2 PM in Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery.

Durham Herald-Sun - Jan 17, 1996