William Robert Russell

Saying goodbye to a cherished loved one is profoundly difficult as is the case with William Robert “Russ” Russell, 93, who died peacefully at home in Augusta on Friday, February 18.

Born in Cleveland, GA, on February 25, 1928 to Epp Lucus and Ruth Shuler Russell, Bob spent his youth developing lifelong loves: his love for sports from playing baseball and basketball, his love for politics from being a page for his father in the Georgia House of Representatives, his love for food from helping in his family’s Gold Nugget Cafe (where he also became a master of checkers, undefeated until he may have let his grandchildren win). After a winless basketball season his Senior year at Cleveland High School, he walked-on to the University of Georgia team and joined the starting lineup. After graduating college, he entered the Army which resulted in his fortuitous arrival to Fort Gordon. He served as Second Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps, A&R Director, and coached the Fort’s basketball team. While stationed there, he met the greatest love of his life, Marjorie McConnell. They married in 1955. Together they raised three children.

Bob spent much time working for Phoenix Oil Company and playing golf, though not necessarily in that order. He loved “auspicious” occasions, (and all gatherings of family were auspicious to him), grilling steak, and pulling pig, all while listening to Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and Count Basie by candlelight at his beloved backyard “119.” He was also an aficionado of puff jackets, toothpicks, “the world’s finest cracker” (saltines), and “the world’s finest drink” (an ice cold Coca Cola), and naps.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings- Mildred Fargason (Hal), Jack (Ruth), and Frank (Thelma) Russell, and countless friends. Survivors include his devoted wife Marge, son Bob (Pati), daughters Amy (Debbie) and Laura Albert (Alex), and many nieces and nephews. As “Granddad,” Bob especially adored and took great joy in three “monkey tails”- Marjorie, Mac, and Cale Albert. Russ credited his longevity to cornbread, black-eyed peas, and Marge!


Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at 1pm at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2261 Walton Way. Reception immediately following at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to the charity of your choice.