He was born on March 20, 1936 in Laredo, Texas, to Wellington Nathan Russell and Mabel Irwin Russell. He grew up in Dallas, Texas, graduating from Highland Park High School in 1954, where he was on the fencing team. He received his B.A. in History from Texas A&M University in 1958 where he was captain of the fencing team. He received his L.L.B. from Southern Methodist University in 1964.
Bryant was a successful and respected probate law attorney. He practiced law in Houston from 1964 until 2016, most of those years with his partner James Wyckoff. Together, they started the firm Wyckoff & Russell, a firm that survived over the years adding, then shedding, named partners. In his free time, Bryant enjoyed tennis, fishing in Galveston Bay, and Johnnie Walker Red. More recently, Bryant enjoyed his retirement and his dog, A.D.
He is survived by his children Wellington Kelvin Russell (Debbie), Victoria Russell Collado (Luis), Bryant Irwin Russell (Stacy), and John Harrison Russell. He is also survived by his grandchildren Gabriela Collado, Luis Collado, Diego Collado, Maggie Russell, and step grandchildren Brooke Ford and Baylee Ford. He is also survived by his former spouses, Cecilia Ducloux and JoAnn Marcell. The family would like to thank Irma Martinez, for her 27 years of dedication in her evolving roles, first as John’s nanny, then as cook, housekeeper, chauffeur, and finally as caregiver.
Visitation with the family will be from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 16, 2018 at Waltrip Funeral Directors. Services will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Waltrip Chapel.
