Michael Wayne (Mike) Russell

Michael Wayne “Mike” Russell, 75, of Lake City, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville after a brief illness. He was born in Atlanta, GA on March 11, 1948, and has made the Lake City area his home since 1963. He was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Lake City; and was a member of the United States Marine Corps, as well as the United States Air Force & Florida National Guard, serving 3 tours of duty in the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart Award. After his service, he returned home and worked for J. Robert Weaver Funeral Home, driving for ambulance service as well as working for a short stint with Sherrill-Guerry Funeral Home, driving ambulances as well. He then earned his certification as a Licensed Cosmetologist, and went on to be an instructor in the field. Mike was a the Commandant of the Marine Corp League, Sgt. Major Thomas H. Griggs #1086 chapter, as well as a member of the Devil Dogs & American Legion Post # 57. In his spare time, he enjoyed his Harley Davidson motorcycle, loved his truck and collecting coins. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Rheberg Russell and his father, James Harold Russell.

He is survived by his daughter, Jenny Bryant of Blackshear, GA; his mother, Mary Russell of Lake City; siblings, William “Henry” Russell (Sylvia) of Colorado Springs, CO, Deloris Ann Russell Lakes (John W.) of Trenton, Richard “Jerry” Russell (Renate) of Lake City, Larry Lee Russell of Lake City and Darryl Alan Russell (Patty) of Bon Secour, AL. Four grandchildren, Dustin Bryant (Emily) of Waycross, GA, Seth Bryant, Dillon Bryant and Bailey Bryant all of Blackshear, GA; and two great-grandchildren, Paislee Bryant of  Blackshear, GA and Bennett Bryant of Waycross, GA also survive.

A funeral service for Mike will be conducted on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at 2:00 P.M. in the Tallahassee National Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be considered to the Marine Corp League, Sgt. Major Thomas H. Griggs, Jr. Chapter # 1086 in Mike’s memory. 
 

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