Frank Russell, Jr.

Our amazing father, grandfather, brother and friend, Frank Perry Russell, Jr, passed peacefully from this earth on Saturday, September 4, 2021 and was reunited with his beloved wife, Shirley.  Frank valiantly battled congestive heart failure and Parkinson’s for many years.  Although he had many difficult days, he rarely complained. Most often when asked how he was feeling he would respond, “Terrific!”.

Frank (aka Perry) was born on October 24, 1941.  He was the second of three children born to Myrtle Pierce and Frank Perry Russell, Sr.  Sandwiched between two sisters, Patricia and Carol, he was adored and spoiled by them his entire life.  He was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. Although he lived in many different states throughout his life, he will forever be an “Alabama Boy.” Frank graduated from Theodore High School in 1959. He attended the University of Alabama and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Anne Corbett.

When Frank married Shirley in August of 1967, he gained three wonderful children in the deal - Kathryn Anne, Sandra Jean and Phillip Andrew. A couple years later they added another son to the family, Vance Gifford, followed by Craig Bartlett, completing the family. Frank and Shirley were sealed together with their children in the Salt Lake Temple in 1976.

Frank spent most of his working years as a sales manager in the appliance and electronics industry. He had a talent for developing important, lasting relationships. This served him well in his career. His genuine interest in the folks he worked with in business made him a popular and successful manager. He worked for various distributors across the country; McKee and McRae in Jackson, Mississippi, Kimball Electronics in Salt Lake City, WCI, Mills-Morris and Woodson & Bozeman in Memphis, Tennessee.

Frank was passionate, generous, and caring. He adored his family and loved to talk about them to anyone who would listen. He was a friend and mentor to many. He had a way of making people feel special and important that made them want to be around him. Frank and Shirley were introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and baptized in 1970. Since then, Frank served faithfully in various callings including as an Inter-City Service Missionary along with Shirley. He had a heart of gold and loved serving the members in his assigned stake. One of his favorite callings was serving in the Bishop’s Storehouse. He found fulfillment in helping those he served. He shared his testimony best by following Christ’s example of charity.

It’s no secret that he was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide fan. Most everyone knew the words “Roll Tide Roll” would earn you a dollar. He loved his home state of Alabama and was always the perfect example of a Southern gentleman.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Carol Delaune, his beloved wife, Shirley, daughter, Kathryn (Jerold), and son, Phillip. He is survived by his children, Sandra (Norm) of Draper, Vance of Ft Lauderdale and Craig of Sandy; grandchildren, Tyson (Andi), Sarah (Kerry), Josh (Erin), Anna, April (Paul), Samantha (Blake), Amanda (Josh), Andrew; and nine great-grandchildren, Boston, Mason, Navy, Tanner, Madsen, Mackenzie, Josie, Emma and Sunny.

His family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the amazing caregivers at Ashford Assisted Living in Draper. The CNAs (too many to mention) not only lovingly cared for him but became good friends and always brightened his day. Additional thanks to many friends and neighbors, including the Hidden Oaks Ward, for many hours of service over the last several years.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 10th at the Hidden Oaks Ward Building, 11755 South Highland Drive, Sandy, UT.  Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening, September 9th from 6:00-8:00pm at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 Bengal Blvd (7600 South), and at the church on Friday morning from 11:00-11:45am prior to services.  Interment: Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Frank & Shirley Russell Memorial Education Fund via the link below:
https://gofund.me/4ddb0158

Graveside service link https://www.facebook.com/CannonMortuary/

If you are unable to attend the services in person, you are welcome to join using the zoom link below.   You may access it once the service begins.  The service will also be recorded for later viewing.
https://zoom.us/j/95486853988
You may also join for audio only by dialing the number and passcode below:
US: +16699006833 ,,95486853988#