Robert Edward Russell, Jr was born on February 27, 1929 to Rosa and Robert Edward Russell, Sr. (both parents preceded him in death). He was the third of ten children (one sibling died at birth). He was the oldest son. His family called him, “Jr”. He was born and raised in Demopolis, Alabama.

Robert E. Russell, Jr confessed Christ at an early age. Reverend C.C. Ellis baptized him at St Paul Baptist Church in Demopolis, Alabama. He was the 44th out of forty-four people baptized.

Robert Jr. graduated from US Jones High School in Demopolis, Alabama. He was an excellent football player in high school and the captain of his football team. He was a hard-working running back and there was no one better. During his last season, the team went undefeated and he ran three touchdowns in one of the games. When his opponents would trash talk him on the football field, he would say, “Come on baby, Big Russ will be right here waiting for you.”

His team even played at Alabama State. He was famous at his school and throughout. He could have been a professional football player, but he chose to stay and raise his family.

Robert E. Russell Jr. married Juliette Samuel Russell. They had eight children. Four boys: Robert III, Harold, Gerald & Jeff and Four girls: Gloria, Carol, Lynnette & Joyce. He was a hard-working family man. He loved his wife and family. He provided for his family. He was a friendly, generous, good-hearted man who looked out for his family and helped others. He was a wise man with a great sense of humor.

Robert Jr. and Juliette joined Olivet Institutional Baptist Church when they first moved to Cleveland, Ohio. Reverend Hoover was the Pastor of the church.

Robert Jr worked various jobs growing up in Demopolis, Alabama. When he first came to Cleveland, Ohio, he worked at the Beechmont Country Club and at Thompson Products. He was later employed at Alcoa Aluminum Company. He worked at Alcoa for 35 years and eight months. During those 35 years and eight months he was a diligent worker. He worked hard to support his family. He even

worked double shifts to put his daughter through college. He retired from Alcoa in 1991.

Robert Edward Russell, Jr was a Master Mason. He was a member of the William T. Boyd Lodge No. 79.

In addition to playing a sport, Robert Jr was an avid sports watcher. He enjoyed watching football, baseball, basketball, golf and tennis.

Robert Jr could really cook. His specialty was collard greens. He made the most delicious pot of collards with ham hocks and neckbones. He received a plethora of special requests for them. Everyone enjoyed his collard greens immensely.

Robert Jr was a smooth dancer. He had skills on the football field as well as on the dance floor. He received lots of compliments on his dancing. He would sometimes compliment himself. He would say that he was “Bad” on the floor and was “Getting down”.

Robert Jr had a very nice singing voice. He would hum and sing around the house all the time. Even though he was restricted to the house, he kept abreast of what was happening in the world by listening to the radio, watching television, and talking to family and friends.

When Robert Jr became physically unable to attend Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, he thanked and praised the Good Lord everyday while confined to the house.

Robert Edward Russell, Jr was preceded in death by his wife Juliette Russell, his son Harold George Russell Sr, his father Robert Edward Russell, Sr., his mother Rosa Moody Russell, his brother Walter Joe Louis Russell, his sisters: Cornelia Russell Denson, Vera Russell Jenkins, Eunice Russell Rawlings, Catherine Russell Murray and Ruby Russell.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, sons: Robert Russell III, Gerald Russell & Jeff Russell, daughters: Gloria Russell Williams (Willie), Carol Russell, Lynnette Russell Kendall, Joyce Russell. Brother Leon T. Russell (Rebecca), Sister Charyle Jean Russell Lamar, 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 18 great

great grandchildren, & 2 great great great grandchildren, daughter in law, son in law, 3 sisters in law, cousins, friends and a host of nieces and nephews.