Russell S. Bogue, Jr.

Russell Seth Bogue Jr, a longtime leader in professional, civic and social activities, died on July 3, 2022 after a short illness. Russell was born March 22, 1931 in Tampa, FL to the late Russell S. and Mary Nell Bogue. A life-long resident of Tampa, Russell attended Gorrie Elementary, Wilson Jr High and Plant High School, graduating from Plant HS in 1949. Russell was a longtime member of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church where his parents were charter members of the church when it began in 1927. He served Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in many capacities over the years, including serving on the session. It was there that he met Elaine Seibert, the love of his life and wife of 65 years, who predeceased him in 2017. Russell often recounted how he and Elaine first met. In 1946, they both went caroling with other youth from Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve – “she came to church with another boy but I walked her home after the party was over and we have been together ever since.” Russell attended the University of Florida where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order and Air Force ROTC. He graduated in 1953 with a BS in Business Administration. He and Elaine were married in 1952.

Russell’s life was one of committed service to his family, church, profession and to Tampa. After graduating from the University of Florida, he served in the US Air Force in Japan at the end of the Korean War. He then joined his father, Russell S. Bogue Sr., in the accounting firm Russell S. Bogue and Company, beginning his long and distinguished career in accounting. The accounting firm grew and eventually merged with Coopers & Lybrand (now Price, Waterhouse, Coopers), one of the then “Big 8” accounting firms. Russell Jr. became the managing partner of the Tampa office of Coopers & Lybrand, retiring in 1990. During his accounting career, he served on numerous committees and on the Council of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, President of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (1976-77), and as a member of the Advisory Board of the Fisher School of Accounting at the U of Florida. Russell was a President of the University Club, President of Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club and a member of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, serving as King Gasparilla LXXV. He was also a member of the Tampa Yacht and Country Club.

He is survived by his two sons Russell “Rusty” S. Bogue, III and his wife Laurie Bishop Bogue (Atlanta, GA) and Clifford W. Bogue, MD and his wife Margaret “Meg” Bogue (Guilford, CT); grandchildren Mary Reid Bogue, Sarah V. Bogue, Elizabeth A. Bogue, Katherine B. Caster and Russell C. Bogue; and great grandchildren Sam Harper, Oliver Martin and Brooks Caster. Russell was predeceased by his parents, sister Virginia Garner and brother Jim Bogue.

A memorial service to celebrate Russell’s life will be held at 10am on July 30, 2022 at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church with reception to follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church or the charity of one’s choice.