Russell "Rusty" Folger

Pastor Russell Folger entered into rest Friday, January 29, 2021. He was born July 26, 1971, and married Kristen in 1993.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the First United Pentecostal Church with Rev. Dwaine French, Rev. Kara Pringle and Rev. Steve Cole officiating. Burial will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years Kristen Hayden Folger, his children, Savannah Folger (Cody Tipton), Kathryn Folger, and Drew Folger, his father, Ralph Folger Jr, his mother, Jane Lane, his two brothers, Ralph Folger 3, Matt Lane, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joy Folger Brogden, and his precious Granny Folger.

Russell was born and raised in Augusta, GA. He attended New Life Christian Academy in Grovetown, GA and Jackson College of Ministries in Jackson Mississippi. Pastor Folger stayed actively involved in service throughout the CSRA. He pastored Calvary Tabernacle of Waynesboro, GA for the past 12 years, owned and operated Regal Lawns and Savannah River Ground Cover. He previously pastored White Oak Church in Thomson, GA, and assisted in First Pentecostal Church of Grovetown and First UPC Augusta. Russell and his wife traveled and evangelized for several years before starting their family. He recently became a chaplain for Gold Cross EMS, volunteered as a chaplain for Grovetown Department of Public Safety and Burke Country Sheriff’s Office. He served Columbia County’s ATV Unit for several seasons.

He was a loving father, faithful husband, diligent pastor, a helping hand, loyal friend, a true servant for the kingdom of God. Russell encouraged, helped, and may have been the hardest worker you have ever met. Russell talked politics and religion and business ideas. He never met a dog he didn’t ask to pet, could devour a delicious meal and ask for seconds. He enjoyed fishing and a good Sunday nap. He could dominate in Monopoly and was legendary ping-pong master, all while making you laugh. He made friends everywhere he went and often prayed for them in their time of need. If you knew Russell, you loved his kind demeanor.

This man leaves a legacy of love and forgiveness. Those of you whose lives he touched will never be the same. Hug your loved ones and make amends. Serve the Lord with gladness. There is hope of heaven to gain.

If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the Folger Memorial Fund, c/o First UPC of Augusta, PO Box 212087, Augusta, GA., 30917.

Please sign the guestbook and send condolences at www.plattsfuneralhome.com.