Bob "BR" Russell

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and May Willie and his beloved wife of 55 years, Janet O’Neil Russell.

Most of Bob’s young life was spent in Birmingham, AL. Being an active member of the American Red Cross, he was elected President of his Red Cross chapter. And worked as a volunteer at the Red Cross office in downtown Birmingham. Bob was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. Earning the highest honor of Eagle Scout.

He participated in the Central Park Methodist Church youth group. One special evening, he would meet his future and beloved wife, Janet O’Neil. They were married for 55 years and had two children, Robert Alan Russell and Susan Elizabeth Russell-Alexander.

Upon graduation West End High School, Bob went to the University of Alabama. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He also received Masters Degree in Vocational Education from the University of Central Florida.

His career was started as an educational professional in Birmingham, AL in elementary schools. In 1966, he started as a teacher at Andrew Jackson Middle School in Titusville, FL. Two and half years later, Bob transferred to James Madison Middle School. Astronaut High School welcomed him in 1979, where he happily retired in 2006. His presence and love at Astronaut continued through 2023. Whether it be directing traffic, lighting the homecoming bonfire, praying over a meal, raising money for the back to school BBQ, or whatever AHS needed, Bob would not hesitate to participate.

After growing up in the church, he publicly declared his faith in 1974. He was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Titusville, FL. He served as the head of the Trustees and was the first smile you saw on Sundays as the Head Usher.

His service led to being a member of the volunteer team at Parrish Medical Center, driving the golf cart to transport families to visit their loved ones. Always with a “dad” joke and that smile.

The therapy he looked forward to the most was his mornings at the Indian River fishing with his friends and the beloved one legged pelican.

He is survived by his children, Robert Alan Russell and Susan Russell-Alexander (Robert Dean Alexander), brother, William Frank Russell, Jr. (Linda Ann Russell) and nephew, William Todd Russell (Rebecca Peterson Russell). And his cherished companion and grand dog, Cheeko.

Services will Saturday, November 4, 2023, 10:00 visitation, 11:00 service, reception following at the First United Methodist Church of Titusville, FL 206 S. Hopkins Ave. Titusville, FL 32796.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be sent to:

First United Methodist Church, 206 S. Hopkins Avenue, Titusville, FL 32796