Dr. Ernest L. Russell was born on June 2, 1944 in Jackson, Tennessee to Frank Russell and Louise Cole Russell. He attended the city schools of Jackson and graduated from Merry High School in 1962. He was awarded a four-year basketball scholarship to attend Wiley College in Marshall, Texas where he was a Small College All-American. He graduated from Wiley in 1968 with honors. He pursued his graduate education at Michigan State University, receiving a Masters degree in 1971 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1978.
He began his professional career as an educator in the school district of the city of Pontiac, Michigan in 1967, where he devoted the next 34 years to educational excellence, eventually attaining the position of Deputy Superintendent.
After retirement, he thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the betterment of his community by giving his time and efforts to multiple local organizations. He was a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church of Pontiac, where he served as an usher and trustee.
In 2009, he relocated to Arizona and united with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church where he served as an usher. In addition to being active in his church, he was a well-loved volunteer at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix.
His lifelong dedication to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity began on December 13, 1963, when he was initiated into the Alpha Sigma Chapter on the campus of Wiley College. He was one of the founding members of the Iota Rho Lambda Chapter of Pontiac in 1970. His final affiliation was with the Delta Tau Lambda Chapter of Phoenix. He was a certified Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Dr. Ernest L. Russell went home to be with the Lord on June 1, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Virginia Cooperwood. He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 50 years, Ruby Mae Russell of Goodyear, Arizona; daughter, Kelly Russell and husband Edward Neilson of Scottsdale, Arizona; son, Jarrett Russell of Mannheim, Germany; sister, Sallie Werthing and husband John of Jackson, Tennessee; brother, Frank Russell, Jr. of Carlsbad, California; sister-in-law, Bernadine Perkins of Beaumont, Texas; devoted friend of over 30 years, Samuel Osborn and wife Sharyn of Highland, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends, colleagues and associates.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at Phillips Memorial CME Church, 1401 E. Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Condolences for the family may be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6