Frederick Russell Foster

Frederick Russell "Rock" Foster passed away peacefully on July 19th, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born in Knoxville, TN on October 14th, 1935, to the late Creed and Esther Foster, where he was the youngest of 3 children. He was married to Gail Lamb Foster for 66 years until her death last year.  He was also preceded by his siblings, Jim Foster and Marianne Michaels.

He graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC and attended NC State University for two years before earning his Professional Engineer (PE) license. Remarkably, he was one of only two professionals in his field to achieve PE licensure without first completing a four-year degree—a testament to his exceptional knowledge, skill, and dedication.

He went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career as a civil engineer, specializing in materials engineering and large-scale infrastructure projects. If you've ever taken off from or landed on a runway at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), you've experienced the lasting impact of his work.

Recognized for both his expertise and the high regard in which he was held by colleagues, he was selected for multiple short-term assignments as an engineering consultant in the Middle East. These opportunities allowed him to combine his professional passions with a love of travel, giving him the chance to experience new places, people, and cultures during his career.

He and his wife were members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC since 1972 where he served as a Deacon. He enjoyed music, travel, reading, gardening, and good food. He was a loving father and grandfather who took great pride in his family.

He is survived by his children Rusty Foster and his wife Betty Ann of Winterville NC, Pam Scott and her husband Mike of Youngsville NC, Ryan Foster and his wife Cija of Cary NC; five grandchildren: Michael Scott and his wife Kayla of Oxford NC, Brandon Scott of Zebulon NC, Eric Foster and his wife Ayiana of Baton Rouge LA, Logan Foster of Cordova NC, Ava Foster of Charlotte NC; and three great grandchildren: Brooks, Arianna and Jonathan Ryan of Oxford NC.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Raleigh on Saturday August 1st, 2026, at 10:30AM. Family visitation will be from 10:00AM to 10:30AM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to:

Emmanuel Baptist Church
2100 Noble Road
Raleigh, NC 27608