Thomas I Russell

Thomas Irven Russell was born on October 6th, 1931 to the late Fred and Ruth Russell in Grove City, Ohio. He was one of eight children born to this Union. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charles, Fred (Jr.), Robert, and James Russell and Sisters Catherine Miles and Jane Williams. Thomas, who was affectionately known as Tommy to all who knew him, was extremely intelligent and highly educated. Education was important to him and he always felt the need to continue learning and educating himself in different areas. Thomas graduated from Grove City High School in Columbus, Ohio with the Class of 1949.

Upon Graduation he enlisted in the Air Force where he served our country proudly and fearlessly. One of his tours included Guam, where he was stationed for two years. Tommy started his Military Service as a private and concluded as a Sergeant earning numerous awards for his service. After leaving the Air Force he decided to continue his education and was accepted into the University of Kansas where he was not only a star athlete on the football field but a stellar student as well. Thomas graduated from the University of Kansas in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Business. A Bachelor of Science degree would've been enough for many individuals, but not for Tommy. After graduating from Kansas he decided to return to a State he fell in love with while stationed in the Air Force, good ole' California.

Upon returning, he enrolled in San Francisco State College where he earned his Master of Business Administration. Still intellectually curious, he enrolled in Golden Gate University where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence and on May 30th, 1980 he was sworn in as an Attorney and Counselor by the Supreme Court of the State of California. From there he officially started his career as a prosecuting attorney and subsequently opened his own law firm in which he was a successful attorney for many decades before retiring.

Unable to sit still combined with his love for the outdoors, he came out of retirement and took a job as a truck driver.

Tommy accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at the family's home church, Union Baptist in Urban Crest, Ohio. He loved the Lord, and everybody that he came in contact with knew it. Upon settling in Campbell, CA he found a new "Home Church" which he joined in 1985 and served faithfully on the Ushers board and Choir until God said to him, my good and faithful servant, job well done, and called him home to Glory!

Of all of his accomplishments in life he was most proud of his relationship with Christ. Tommy had a big heart and was very giving. He would help anybody in need. He often assisted the Church with the elderly and often volunteered his services providing rides to those who needed to go to the doctors or store. Throughout his life he donated to many charities, from the National Children's Cancer Foundation to the American Bible Association.

He was also a huge sports fan and loved his alma mater, go Jayhawks! He was very active and even played on a basketball ball team. He has numerous trophies for winning the 2004 Midnight Basketball Winter League Eastern Championship. Tommy also loved playing golf, hiking, the beach, riding his bike, reading, singing, and playing his keyboard.

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memory: his only surviving sibling, Elizabeth White of Lunenburg, VA, Brother –in- law Rev. Samuel L. Williams (Ruth Jane) of Westland, MI; nephews Mark White of Chase City, VA and Tommy Russell of Columbus, Ohio; nieces Sharon Sloan of Upper Marlboro, MD; Janet Williams and Elaine Williams-Wilson of Westland, MI; and Cindy Russell and Shirley Russell Vines of Columbus, OH. Also left to cherish his memory are numerous grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and his brothers and sisters in Christ from Wesley Manor, The Home Church, and across the USA.

Visitation will be held on Saturday March 16, 2013 from 10-11 am at the SCHOEDINGER GROVE CITY CHAPEL 3920 Broadway Grove City with a graveside service at 11:30 at Madison Mills Cemetery in Mt. Sterling, OH.