Mom-

I will remember Russ for a lot of things.

First, everyone else was clearly jealous that I got the Yankee, hippie God Parent with the raspy voice.

As a godfather, he was tremendous. Through example, he taught me the value of a good recliner, the importance of never overstaying your welcome at any gathering, while making your time in between count with those at the gathering.

More importantly, he demonstrated how to always find your way to the front of the food line, so you could also be First in line for seconds. And, it was never too early or out of place to start the dessert.

He is solely responsible for my own addiction to the onion and sauce covered goodness that is a Milo's hamburger.

Russ' love for racing was insatiable. If it had wheels and went around a track in circles he would watch it. And, if you ever needed help sleeping, stopping by to watch him kick back in his recliner and watch people turn left continuously for 3 hours was sure to do the trick.

But, most of all, Russ, much like Phyllis, was his own person. And, he was unapologetic about it. But, he always had a deep love for others and a great laugh and love for life. I only hope my own nephews will remember me as fondly as I will him for the great memories he left me.

Josh

My Uncle Russ was a kind man that seemed to always be around when the best jokes were told. He was very patient with all his nieces and nephews that were freely allowed to roam every inch of his home. When I was young, it was Uncle Russ that taught me the importance of not stripping a screw by over-tightening it. I distinctly remember him telling me that once you've done all you can, that over twisting the screw would ruin it and I wasn't improving anything by the misplaced effort. That lesson resonated throughout my life… Once you've given everything you have, you must be content with yourself and not let anybody screw with your head! Uncle Russ seemed to have mastered this concept and lived his serenity to the fullest. He was a good man and will be sorely missed.

John Britton Jr.

My Russ will always be “Russy Baby”...a simple misunderstanding from a Fleetwood Mac lyric from the song “Say You Love Me” forever renaming him for me. It is impossible for me to hear that song and not think of him. The song has no real importance other than to trigger a memory of a man I knew, loved and cherished. He had a laugh that was loud and full...sometimes to the point of choking himself. He was the cool hippie with the leather moccasins. In our youth he was the uncle with a store in Century Plaza by the elevator and to us that was the most prestigious thing imaginable. He was an artist of tremendous talent and in many cases he and Phyllis were a team in that regard. Visits to Tybee Island on a wet windy day were captured via photos and then transferred to water color and canvas of my brother and I. One of my first recollections of the Birmingham Zoo was with Russ taking us there and stopping at Krystals for lunch with a history lesson on the pricing of their burgers as he recalled memories of his own youth. He had a soft spot for animals and took care of dogs for Davy and I while we were overseas. He was always inviting ~ the home he and Phyllis shared was always open and we (Davy and I) would love to visit their live-in art gallery. You felt a transformative peace every time you stepped inside their home. Except of course if there was a NASCAR race on... He was a true fan of motorsports often volunteering at Barber Motor Sports to be a part of one of his many passions. He had a passion for popcorn...similar to my father’s passion for bananas he didn’t miss too many days without it – I recall kettle corn being one of his preferred favorites. Later he found a calling that allowed him to reach out and touch a troubled humanity through counseling ~ he was compassionate and caring to all those in need.
I know Russ was a good man and like my father, would not welcome the fret over him. Russ was a Christian and his faith, works and beliefs will secure his place in God’s grace. The collective memories we share keep him alive in our hearts and as we move through the balance of our journeys a part of him is always with us. A debt of gratitude for his life, love, memories created and shared with us would be paid in full by our commitment to care for Phyllis...we owe him that honor with the acceptance of that

Losing two great men within weeks of each other does not seem real. If I had known the last time I saw you would be the last time I saw you, I would have hugged you tighter.

Angela

Russ had many gifts of the Spirit he shared while in his Earthly journey, but the beauty of this reflection reminded me of my favorite gift he shared with me, and it was his love for photography. The art of being attuned to not only the nature around you, but capturing the beauty of the moment you are in...maybe it's a landscape, or a sunset or a family gathering, they all tell the story of our collective moments and create an opportunity to share your gift and story with the world. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” I honor this gift he gave me today and will think of him throughout the rest of my life as I continue to combine my love of photography with my love of words, creating quiet spaces of reflection of the beauty of this world we live in.

I will miss your glorious belly laugh, and having whatever delicious dessert was served when we were together and appreciate every dance recital you came to, but today I mostly honor the legacy you gave me, and promise to think of you in all the beautiful moments I capture to film the rest of my days.
Laura

Uncle Russ showed an interest in my life and for that I am grateful. We shared a lot of the same passions/ hobbies and we bonded over that. We would discuss our shared love of yoga. Russ started yoga in his 70s and I loved that he was so open to starting a new lifestyle so late in life. He was a free spirit and I appreciated his nonjudgmental ways. Not only did Russ and I share a love for yoga but we shared a love for helping people. Russ was an addiction counselor and we connected over our career paths. Russ was laid back and found humor in life. He will be missed dearly by me and all of his nieces and nephews. Brooke