Nathaniel Allen Russ

Nat typically referred to himself as a Georgia Cracker. He was extremely proud of his Southern Roots that began in Atlanta and remained strong when his family moved to Columbia, SC. Eventually, a trip with his friend, one of the “Boys of ’29”, for dance in Miami, Florida led to his meeting Rona Kordon, the true love of his life. Although they met when she was 16 years old, he was 7 years older, that love story would have to wait.

Fortunately, Rona felt the same way and gave him a call in the summer of ’64. After a quick rekindling of passionate hearts, Nat became the loving father of Bonnie and Darryn, marrying Rona on October 31, 1964, a truly memorable Halloween night.

Columbia remained their home, while Nat worked throughout his life as a Manufacturer Representative throughout the states in Southeast. Professionally, he was known as the “Sunglass Kid” which also his handle on the CB Radio. Simultaneously, he supported the family Pawn Shop located on Main Street in Columbia. Although the business is long gone, the store front remains ½ block from the SC State capitol building and an important relic of days gone by. Nat also proudly served state side in the Air Force as a photographer during the Korean War.

Nat and Rona retired to Boca Raton, Fl where they enjoyed several years of warm weather and extensive travel throughout the world. Nat spent many hours reading, especially enjoying mystery novels. It was rare not to see Nat without a cross word puzzle in action or engaged in a game of solitaire, in the old days with playing cards but most recently on the computer.

After Rona’s passing, Nat shared the last few years of his life, including the Pandemic with Gloria Frankel. After a serious illness, Nat would say, “My daughter hijacked me to Philadelphia to Plush Mills,” where he remained until his passing.

His memory will be cherished by daughter Bonnie Breit, Spouse Deb Soutar, by his son, Darryn Russ, Spouse Karen Russ and his grandchildren, Anna Breit Brown, Spouse Albert Brown, Joseph Russ, Spouse Rosie Walker, and Josh Winter, Spouse Eryn Winter. He was exceptionally joyful to be a great grandfather to Samuel Winter. He will also be fondly remembered by Lynn Goldberg, Rona’s sister, and her spouse, Roger Goldberg, DDS. Additionally, he will be missed by his numerous friends at Plush Mills Senior Living Community.

A graveside service for Nathaniel will be held Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery, 720 Blanding St, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. Following the graveside service will be a shiva service from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM at 1208 Washington Place, 1208 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201.