Born on August 1, 1957 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Richard and Rita Grant. Russell’s family later moved to South Florida where he spent his childhood in Hollywood, Florida.
While attending Hollywood Hills High School, Russ’s exceptional artistic abilities earned him many awards, and his artwork was displayed in several local museums. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University.
On a warm, spring day in 1979, fate would lead Russ to meet the love of his life, Ellyn. The two married that year and were blessed with three adoring daughters: Kristin, Marissa, and Lauren. Russ and Ellyn raised their family in Vero Beach, Florida. Ellyn served as a teacher and Russ became a leader in security technology innovation. He founded the highly respected Spectrum Technologies Group and established long lasting, trusted relationships with his colleagues and clientele.
The foundation of Russ’s faith in God led to a life of love and devotion to his family. Anyone who knew Russ knew that his wife, children, and grandchildren meant the world to him.
Throughout his life, Russ was recognized as an inquisitive, talented man with many interests who truly loved animals and could accomplish anything. His zest for learning and adventure helped him become a skilled pilot, an experienced boater, an avid fisherman, a phenomenal photographer, and a man of travel and exploration. These skills, combined with his desire to live life to the fullest, provided his family with a lifetime of exciting, unforgettable experiences and memories with him.
At the time of his passing, Russ was enjoying his retirement - motor-homing with Ellyn and their dogs, and soaking up special moments with his nine grandchildren.
Russ is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ellyn Kay (Rice) Grant, his children: Kristin (and Jeremy) Neihoff of Royal Palm Beach, FL, Marissa (and Chet) Johnson of North Palm Beach, FL, and Lauren (and Brad) Berner of Deerfield Beach, FL, his grandchildren: Jocelyn Johnson, Carter Johnson, Hayden Neihoff, Easton Johnson, Hailey Neihoff, Sienna Johnson, Hannah Neihoff, Breaker Johnson, and Hudson Neihoff, sister Inez Grant of Gillsville, GA, sister Maggie Grant of Hollywood, CA, nephew Sam d’Entremont of Buford, GA, brother in law David Rice of Ripley, OH, nieces Aimee Gast, Shannon Rice and Minda McDaniel of Ripley, OH. He also leaves behind a loving and large extended family of the Rice, Neihoff, Johnson, Berner, and Crisafi families.
Russ will be severely missed daily, but is surely now reunited in Heaven with his siblings Rita “Ricky” Grant and Richard “Chip” Grant, his dear in-laws Charles and Jean Rice, Ellyn’s Aunt Virginia and Uncle Charles “Rick” Rickey, his beloved dogs Berkley and Brady, and special extended family members.
Flowers in memory of Russell can be sent to Aycock Funeral Home & Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Russell was a lifelong animal lover and rescuer. In honor of his passion, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County.
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