Robert Young Russell, Jr. passed on to his Heavenly home on December 3, 2023. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on September 19, 1938 to the Rev. R. Y. Russell, Sr. and Annis Good Russell. As a Presbyterian minister Bob's father, who would sometimes pastor 2 or 3 or more small churches at one time, moved the family to where there was a need - from SC to ND, PA, back to SC, then VA, KY and NC.

In Jr. High and High School Bob excelled in football at the Millersburg Military Institute in Kentucky. His speaking ability earned him the Oldam speech award his senior year. He played the guitar and sang for church, often singing duets with his mother. During those years he remembered the back-breaking summer jobs or baling hay and mowing the church's cemetery. In his senior year in college he was a member of a band of four (The Individualists) who played for school dances and other events. They made 2 records. The others wanted a career of recording, but Bob chose to not pursue their goal.

In 1959 he met Carolyn in Montreat, NC and when both completed college, they were married and moved to Houston in 1961 for him to attend Hermann Hospital School of Physical Therapy. He worked at Southmore Hospital and later owned several PT departments throughout Texas. Bob semi-retired at about 55 with plans to work as a Home Health PT until he was 80, a mark he missed by a few months due to a stroke in 2017 which left him partially disabled.

He loved his work, and by working for himself he was able to take lots of time off for cruising, travel, fishing, golf and being with family. They traveled to India, Russia, Norway and many other places. He especially enjoyed having friends join the family at their lake house and later at their beach house.

Bob was always active in his church. He studied the Bible and taught Sunday School classes, spoke to different groups, and mentored many people. In 1978 Bob, along with wife, Carolyn, and Nancy & Roy Penney, founded The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a home for women who were domestically or sexually abused. The Bridge has now grown to house 100 women and children.

He is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 62 years; a daughter, Laura Jean Jaros and husband, Ed; a son, Michael Dean Russell and wife, Connie; a son, David Brian Russell and wife, Shauntel; seven grandchildren: Holly Barker, Ashley Syphrett and husband, Alex (Waco); Alexandra Littleton,(Little Rock); Valerie May Hamilton and husband, Jake (San Diego), Austin Russell; Hayden Russell (Fort Worth); Zannah Russell (Ft. Worth) and 2 great grandchildren, Harper Jean Houston and Oliver Syphrett; step-granddaughters, Lindi Stripling, Haley Barnett, Marissa Jaros (Wilmington, NC) and step-great grandson, Carter. He also is survived by a brother, Chesley (Chet) Good Russell (Montgomery).

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters in Pasadena, Texas.

The funeral service will be held at Peevey Funeral Home, Saturday, December 9th at 10:00am with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.