Russell Beaumont Conner

Russell B. Conner passed away at the age of 30 on December 8, 2020, in Park Forest, Illinois where he was employed by Governors State University as an International Student Advisor. He was born in Tampa but raised in Marietta, GA by his parents Scott R. (Rick) & Cheryl G. Conner.

He graduated from Lassiter High School in the class of 2009, where he also played trombone in the marching band. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a BA degree in International Politics. He later attended the Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan where he studied for two years and achieved fluency in Arabic.

Russell lived a short, but very full life. He was best known for his deep compassion for people. He dearly loved his family and friends and also had a special heart for social justice and those less fortunate. During his time in Jordan, Russell was intentional about spending time in Middle Eastern culture, learning different views on important issues, developing a taste for the local fare, and building deep relationships with people from around the world. He volunteered at Gaza Refugee Camp in Amman, joining in on pick up soccer games with Palestinian children and playing guitar for them. He spent time in neighboring Israel and the West Bank, staying with a family in Bethlehem where he learned firsthand about their challenges of daily life.

Music was one of Russell’s true passions. He was an excellent guitarist and enjoyed being in a neighborhood rock band while growing up. He also loved to travel, having explored 37 countries and Europe with some of his closest friends. Upon returning from Jordan, Russell was hired as a Student Recruiter at the Savannah College of Art & Design, meeting with prospective students from both the Middle East and South America. He lived with a sense of adventure, thriving on his exploration of the world and culture around him.

Sports were very important to Russell as he was a well-respected athlete. He played baseball at both Sandy Plains and East Cobb as a pitcher, but managed a number of other positions as well. Russell was also an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves. He loved SEC football, and while a lifelong Georgia Bulldog fan, some of his best memories were from going to the LSU games. Russell could often be seen on TV with his friends dressed as rabid Tiger fans sitting on the front row of the student section. In later years, soccer became the sport that Russell enjoyed most. He watched the Premier League games and became a devout Liverpool FC fan. Russell could tell you everything about the Liverpool club’s history including the story behind “You Never Walk Alone” which is sung at every game.

In addition to his parents, Russell is survived by his grandfather, Carroll Garrett of Jackson, MS; sister, Whitney Conner of Roswell, GA; and uncle, Doug Garrett of Knoxville, TN, all of whom he was especially close to. Extended family includes aunt and uncle, Lynda and Rodney Trevillion of San Antonio, TX; uncle, Robert Conner of Rome, GA; and multiple cousins.

Russell is predeceased by grandparents Betty Jane Garrett of Roswell, GA, and Scott and Dorothy Conner of Deland, FL.

A Memorial Service is to be held at 3:00pm on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Road, Marietta, GA. A Memorial Tribute will be played in honor of Russell at 2:45pm. Strict Covid guidelines will be followed to include proper masking and social distancing.

The service will also be live streamed and recorded via: https://transfiguration.com/media/live-mass-stream/ for those unable to attend due to quarantine, having symptoms, or distance.

A Private Graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Russell’s memory to NAMI or the Roswell United Methodist Church Counseling Center.