Larry Dee Russell

Larry Dee Russell, age 76, of Middleburg, Florida passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Huntingdon, Tennessee to the late Bobby and Joye Russell. Larry was a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Social Welfare and a minor in Criminology and served in the Army Reserve as a medic. He also graduated from the 182nd Session of the FBI National Academy.

Coming from humble beginnings, Larry worked his way through college with many jobs and was even known to hustle a game of pool from time to time. He met the love of his life by chance, while attending a dance at the Keystone Heights Beach Pavilion. For the next 58 years, they would be inseparable.

Larry was honored and proud to serve his community with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, where he retired as a Captain. You never had to wonder where you stood with Larry, he was firm but fair! After his retirement he was an avid hunter and traveler. Some of his hunting adventures included an African Safari, bear hunting in Vancouver Island Canada, moose hunting in Newfoundland Canada, fishing in Alaska, and various other places in the United States.

Larry never met an adventure he wasn’t packed and ready to go on. He traveled to Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Iceland, Fiji, Australia, Africa, and visited all 50 states while taking a million pictures along the way.

In addition to his hunting and vacation travels, Larry grew a full white beard and played Santa at various malls all over the country for many years. But his favorite place to play Santa was here at home in assisted living facilities or the FOP Children’s Christmas Party.

Larry was proud of his career, hunting, and travels, but his greatest accomplishment was his family. His wife Brenda was his soul mate, he loved his children fiercely, and his three granddaughters were his pride and joy. Larry treasured his relationship with his surviving Aunts and Uncle.

Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Brenda Ann Russell, daughter Lisa Jannotti (Shawn), son Shane Russell (Jen), granddaughters Lindsay Bishop (Cody), Reagan Jannotti, and Rylee Jannotti, brother Steven Layne Russell, aunts Nell Fry (Norman) and Sammie Best, and Uncle Carl Byars (Alisa). He was an amazing husband, father, Poppa, brother, Uncle, and friend. Larry was an active member of the Black Creek Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Larry’s honor to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort, PO Box 111180, Nashville, TN 37222-1180.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Monday, March 31, 2025 at Wesconnett Church of Christ, 5223 Wesconnett Blvd, Jacksonville, FL with Pastor Stephen Atnip officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to service at the church. Full honors will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 N Main St, Jacksonville, FL 32206. (Gate 1)

Reception will be held immediately following the graveside at Black Creek Church of Christ, 3216 County Road 218, Middleburg, FL.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.