Russ Paine

Russell Morgan Paine passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Houston on Thursday, the 12th of March 2026. Russ was born on the 22nd of December 1955, in Monahans, Texas, to Billie and Willard Paine.

He grew up in Lubbock, Texas, where he developed a lifelong love of sports, music, and tackling projects of all kinds. He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in biology and was a college pitcher on the university’s baseball team. He later earned his degree in physical therapy from Texas Woman’s University in Houston.

Russ devoted his entire career to the field of sports medicine. Over the years he became one of the top physical therapists in the country and a leading authority in the rehabilitation of sports injuries. He served as a rehabilitation consultant for the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, and NASA. Throughout his career, Russ helped many elite athletes and patients recover from injury and return to peak performance. His patients deeply appreciated not only his knowledge and skill, but also his kindness, encouragement, and wonderful sense of humor.

Russ’s contributions to the field of sports medicine were widely recognized. In 2009 he received the Dale Baker Career Service Award from the American Sports Medicine Institute, and in 2018 he was inducted into the Sports Physical Therapy Hall of Fame. In addition to his clinical work, Russ was a respected author and lecturer who spoke at more than five hundred professional meetings throughout the United States and internationally. He authored more than twenty-five textbook chapters and more than thirty peer-reviewed research publications, with particular clinical interests in knee and shoulder injuries as well as golf-related injuries and conditioning.

Russ was also deeply engaged in professional service and leadership. He served on the planning committee for the Sports Physical Therapy Section Traveling Fellowship and Team Concept Meeting and was a founding member of the ICCUS Society, an organization dedicated to collaboration and professional development among leaders in sports medicine. An avid golfer, Russ especially enjoyed organizing the ICCUS annual golf outing. In true Russ fashion, he made the event about camaraderie and friendship rather than the scorecard.

To those who knew him best, Russ was a true Renaissance man and someone many turned to for help. He had a wide range of interests and talents. Resourceful and endlessly capable, there was almost nothing he could not fix—he would always find a way. He loved fast cars and the thrill of driving them. He enjoyed fine wine and loved bringing people together and was known for hosting memorable parties for family and friends, often serving his legendary margaritas.

Music was one of Russ’s great passions. He was a gifted pianist who played guitar and loved to sing. He wrote and recorded his own music, sharing his creativity and joy with those around him. Russ was also known for his weekend grilling, especially his ribeye steaks, and for his signature grilled turkey at Thanksgiving—a meal his family looked forward to every year. He had a special affection for his beloved Dobermans, who were an important part of his life and family.

Above all, Russ was a deeply devoted husband and an amazing father to his children. He took great pride in his family and cherished every moment spent with them. His love, guidance, and devotion shaped the lives of his children and will remain a lasting part of who they are.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Willard Paine; and his older brother Rod.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shan; his children, Morgan, Ross and his wife Alex, Ryan and her husband Jordan Broussard; his grandchildren, Reece, Eleanor, Luke, and Hank; his brother, Rex Paine; his sister, Pam and her husband Larry Henderson; his nephew, Siquan Matt; and many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Russ will be remembered for the countless lives he helped heal, his contributions to the field of sports medicine, the music and laughter he shared, his generous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.

A celebration in honor of the life of Russ is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 28th of March, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, those who wish may consider supporting his youngest son’s education. Information is available at https://go.fidelity.com/biyjgg or by selecting the link below under "Donations."

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