Daniel Clay Russ

A beloved husband, brother, son, uncle, and friend, Daniel was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 16, 1957, to Irene and Marvin Russ. The youngest of five siblings, Daniel grew up with an uncommon intensity and curiosity, diving into new pursuits often against the odds.

He excelled in martial arts, earning a second-degree black belt, and fought in 25 boxing and kickboxing matches, 14 of them pro. He spoke French, learned Hebrew, and trained to be a rabbi but chose a career in advertising. He performed for 11 years as a stand-up comedian and played blues harmonica under the nickname "Catfish" Russ.

Daniel graduated Cum Laude from Georgia State University with a BS in Philosophy in 1979. He landed a copywriter position at a local agency and quickly developed a stellar reputation. He was soon recruited by The Martin Agency in Richmond, Virginia, and for seven years, built an award-winning portfolio of work before joining GSD&M Advertising in Austin in 1991.

Daniel remained at GSD&M for 13 years. As Senior VP/Group Creative Director, he created iconic campaigns, led successful pitches and formed lifelong friendships. In 2006, he was named Executive Creative Director at R&R Partners in Las Vegas. From there, went on to serve in leadership roles at Blackboard and Nexstar Media. Daniel was a popular keynote speaker and taught advertising classes at the University of Texas, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Indiana University.

Throughout his career, Daniel produced work for Virgin Atlantic, Nike, Chili's, Pennzoil, Fannie Mae, and many other clients. He launched campaigns for the U.S. Air Force and Charles Schwab and produced Walmart's Real People series with Academy Award-winning director Albert Maysles. In total, Daniel had over 20 pieces featured in Communication Arts and over 20 finalists in The One Show, including seven medals.

Daniel served on the board of the Austin Blues Society and was the director and co-founder of The Peace Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation specializing in pro bono campaigns for social justice causes.

Daniel drew inspiration from his mother, Irene, a Hungarian refugee who survived three Nazi concentration camps and his father, Marvin, who served in the Eighth Air Force and met Irene after the camps were liberated. Along with his siblings, they instilled in Daniel an unshakable spirit, a strong work ethic, and a sharp sense of humor.

To those who knew him, Daniel was inspiring, occasionally confounding, and always entertaining. He delighted in encouraging others and celebrating their achievements. His enthusiasm was contagious, his spirit irrepressible, and his influence undeniable. He was a loyal, loving, larger-than-life soul who will be profoundly missed.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 25 years, Carolyn Sparenberg Russ, his brother. Barry Russ and his fiancé Carolyn Rose of Atlanta, Georgia; his sister Estelle Erlanger and her husband, Rabbi Meier Erlanger; numerous cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and Noelle, a bossy but adorable pooch.

Daniel is preceded in death by his parents, Irene Russ and Marvin Russ, brothers Stephan Russ and Harvey Russ, and nephew Nehemia Erlanger.

A memorial service for Daniel will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mentoring Martial Arts Foundation at https://themmafoundation.org or to the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) at https://www.myhaam.org.