Russell "Sug" Ipock Sr.

Russell "Sug" Ipock Sr., 77, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Carteret Health Care.

Russell, known to all as "Sug", was born on September 3, 1945, in Morehead City, NC, to the late Andrew and Letha Mae Ipock, one of nine children. Family and friends meant the world to him and if you knew Sug you had a friend for life.

Sug's strong work ethic was seen throughout his 54 years with Pepsi Co. Progressing from a maintenance position to the regional supervisor showed his commitment and dedication to the company. He certainly gained a wealth of experience and knowledge about the company's operations and culture during his long tenure, and he was known by all to be a loyal and faithful Pepsi employee.

Known for his deep passion for fishing, Sug spent many happy hours on the water and even crafted his own fishing nets. Another of his interests was gardening. He enjoyed cultivating his own produce and canning various vegetables and preserving pickles and making jellies and his special fig jam. He was happy to enjoy the flavors of his garden throughout the year.

Sug always enjoyed good Western movies and classic TV shows. Always entertained by the American Old West with cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen, his favorites being Gun Smoke and Bonanza. MASH was another classic show that always put a smile on his face. Sug always enjoyed an intense NASCAR race, enjoying the high-speed action and the camaraderie among the fans.

Gathering with friends for cookouts and having people over to his house was the activity he enjoyed most. Sug was a relational man who was easy to bond with and always had an open-door policy. It was common to see his driveway lined with cars, reflecting a houseful of friends and family.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his daughters, Mary Slaughter (William) of Newport, and Tammy Kiraly (Pete) of Havelock; sons, Russell "Rusty" Ipock Jr. (Jackie), and Travis Ipock all of Newport; brothers, Mike Ipock of Newport and Bobby Ipock of Morehead City; 8 grandchildren; and 9 greatgrandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Sug was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Pamela Bickford Ipock; siblings, Janie Mae Priddy, Sambo Ipock, Kemp Ipock, Bubby Ipock, Lennis Ipock, and Billy Ipock.

The family will celebrate his life privately.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.