Johnny Ross Russell

Johnny Ross Russell, 89, passed from this life on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at his home in Norman, Oklahoma. Johnny was born January 21, 1929 in Davis, Oklahoma to John Russell Jr. and Alma Ruth (Rowe) Russell.

Johnny graduated from Davis High School in 1947 where he was an outstanding athlete- lettering in football, basketball and track. Following high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After serving stints in Camp Chaffee, Arkansas and Fort Bragg, North Carolina he shipped out to Fort Baumholder, Germany where he served for two years. Johnny was especially proud of his military service which began September 15, 1952 until his discharge September 2, 1954.

Johnny met Carolyn Hampton in the winter of his senior year in high school. They met at Cedarvale skating rink and were married September 1st of that same year, following a whirlwind romance. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Johnny worked in sales with Rainbo Bread Company and was soon promoted to management where he was employed for over 40 years.

Johnny was a sportsman and an outdoorsman his entire life. He very much enjoyed boating and fishing and often said he was especially proud of teaching everyone in the family to water ski.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Billy Eugene Russell and brother-in-law, Preston Eugene Carter.

Surviving him is a family who loved him dearly; his wife, Carolyn Russell of the home, his sister, Patsy (Russell) Carter; nephews, Billy Wayne Russell and wife Janet, Steven K. Carter and wife Denise, David K. Carter, Phillip K. Carter and wife JuLene and niece, Brenda K. (Carter) Byrd and husband Tom. Many great nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive him.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside burial at Green Hill Cemetery in Davis, Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Davis or to a charity of your choice.