Steve Russell, 55, of Mammoth Spring passed away on September 28, 2020. He was born on April 21, 1965 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas to Noel “Buddy” Russell and Lois Russell of Hardy.
Steve was preceded in death by his dad, Noel Leon Russell; his sister, Cynthia Jo Higginbottom; and one great nephew, Blake Fisher.
Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Sandy Russell; and their two children, Logan Russell of Paragould and Carly Russell of the home. Survivors also include his mother, Lois Phelps Russell of Hardy; mother-in-law, Ruth Arnn of Batesville; sisters-in-law, Connie Sharp (Mitch) of Charlotte and Dianne Patterson (Rodney) of Batesville; brother-in-law, Bobby Higginbottom of Jonesboro; nieces, Jennifer Lloyd (John) of Mena, Mary Beth Shatley (Chris) of Cave City, Alyssia Fisher (Stephen) of Mammoth Spring, and Morgan Jines (Trevor) of Jonesboro; and nephews, Adam Patterson (Stephanie) of Farmington and Philip Patterson (Kayla) of Benton.
Steve was a loving man who was friends with everyone he came in contact with. He was very active in the community as a member of the Rotary Club and serving as President of the local chapter. He was also a board member of the Mammoth Spring School District, a member of the Mammoth Spring Housing Authority and a member of the Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Steve and his wife Sandy founded the Fulton County chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Steve worked at Southern Bank in Thayer, Missouri, serving as a Vice President and Community Bank Manager. In his church, he was very active. As an elder at Mammoth Spring Church of Christ, he loved serving his church family, and most of all, God.
Steve was truly an amazing husband and father. His family was his pride and joy. He was very devoted and protective of them. He loved and cherished his children and was always happy to tell everyone about their latest accomplishments. He also was a wonderful son, a loving brother and uncle, and a great friend to many. He was passionate, inspiring and motivational. He was an honorable and lovable person. Steve was a great writer and spent a lot of time writing short stories, blogging and working on a novel he hoped to publish some day. He was also humorous, joyful and an all-around gifted man. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Graveside services for Steve Russell will held on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with Barry O’Dell officiating.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 1, 2020 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.
Burial will on Thursday, October 1, 2020 in Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
Memorials may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, by visiting “helpfightra.org” or by mail to “Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, Help Fight RA, 8815 Conroy Windermere Rd., Suite 309, Orlando, FL 32835.
September 29, 2020 @ 10:48 pm
So very sorry for your families loss. Steve was a good man. He was our “banker” but also was a good friend. He will be greatly missed. Jim and Virginia Howell
September 30, 2020 @ 4:06 pm
Steven was a dear and close friend during high school and college. You could never find a nicer person. Over the last couple of days, I was thinking of all the good and funny memories. I thought I would share a few. When we would meet up over the years we would always ask each other if we had seen any plays and end up laughing about leaving the high school play at intermission thinking it was over and it ended rather odd. Neither of us had been to a play before. One summer day Steven ,Kim, and I went to the beach in Cherokee. I advised Steven he had better put on sunscreen. He stated he didn’t want any and was just a little pink. Big mistake. He got fried. I felt so bad for him when I saw the burn the next day. We did go swimming again but, he was much more careful. Another summer day Steven, Kim, Lisa, and Randy were heading to Six Flags in St. Louis. It rained us out so we went to the Arch. Steven was always well groomed and not a hair out of place. We happened to be walking underneath a water logged limb. I am usually not mischievous, but I couldn’t resist. I walked a head of Steven and grabbed a branch. He got showered with water. If he got mad at me he never showed it. I am so glad to have had Steven as a friend. I will miss him.
September 30, 2020 @ 5:23 pm
Steven was a great friend of mine at Highland during our High School years. We always had the chance to help each other with class work, since we were part of the “oddity group” that focused on our studies all the time. I never had the chance to see Steven at any of the class reunions, save for our first one, the 10 year. All the others he was forever caring for his family, his immediate and most important task. Steven, you will still be greatly missed and may your family know that you are still looking out for them from Heaven.
September 30, 2020 @ 6:53 pm
Steve was a man you can say so many great things about. I know I can never adequately express what he meant to so many but I can say this, he was always good to me and my family. He always had a smile or a quick how are you doing. Always made time. Many things in this life are not as they should be but Steve was one of those people in life who was what he should be and was what so many of us hope to be. He will be missed greatly but not forgotten. I heard a quote once that said something like “if in this life I never see your face nor get to know you, let me feel the loss”. We know he is in a far better place now and we pray we can all support Sandy and Carly and Logan and all the family.
September 30, 2020 @ 8:40 pm
He was such a nice man. Always had a hi for you whether you were in bank or grocery store. Will be truly missed. Condolences to his family.
September 30, 2020 @ 8:47 pm
Our love and prayers to all the family! May God comfort you with many wonderful memories.
September 30, 2020 @ 9:04 pm
We have know Steve and his family since he was a young toddler and all of us went to church together and we were always neighbors. Precious little boy and grew to an extra grown up. So glad the family will be able to remember all the goods things when their lives adjust to him being gone from this life and moved on to a heavenly place with no pain and no sorry. Much love to the Russell Family.
September 30, 2020 @ 9:16 pm
Sending our love and prayers to Sandy and her children. Connie, Mitch, and Morgan our loving neighbors and Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We always loved watching the fun you guys would have at your family gathering at the Sharps residence in Charlotte the love that was shared was ever present. Continue to rely on that love for God and family in these next days weeks months and years. Love you all. Todd and Vickie Robertson
September 30, 2020 @ 10:39 pm
It is so hard to lay to rest a man like Steve Russel. Great comfort comes from his Christian soul and the fact that his many good works will follow him.
September 30, 2020 @ 10:41 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family ❤️?❤️?.
October 1, 2020 @ 7:26 am
Sandy, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. He was a great person and family man. Love to you and your family.
October 1, 2020 @ 7:38 am
Our hearts are saddened, losing our brother in Christ. He was a great example to so many. Much love & prayers to his family!
October 1, 2020 @ 8:36 am
I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers. Love to you all.
October 1, 2020 @ 11:17 am
Steve gave me my first loan for a truck when i turned 18. He has also gave me a lot of advice over the years. He was a great leader in our community and served many roles over the years. People of his caliber do not come along every day. I will really miss him.
October 1, 2020 @ 12:00 pm
My condolences and sympathy for your family. Steve was friendly, polite and professional. A pleasure to work with at Southern Bank.
October 1, 2020 @ 12:11 pm
Sandy, my heart goes out to you and your family. Steve was on my “most admired people” list. We will all miss him so much and, please, know that you are in our prayers.
October 1, 2020 @ 12:46 pm
Sandy, Logan & Carly:
My heart breaks for all of you. I am aware that you lost a very special man. He can not be replaced. But my prayers are that you will find comfort in his memory. You guys are loved by so many friends and family. Know that although I am unable to get out to share in your grief. My heart is breaking for Steve’s passing.
October 1, 2020 @ 4:32 pm
Sandy, Steve was such a special human being and will be missed by all who knew him but the biggest loss & pain will be in the hearts of his family and I’m Praying the Lord give His peace and comfort to you all that He gives beyond measure!
October 1, 2020 @ 7:36 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May the Lord grant peace to his loved ones and friends now and in the days ahead.
October 6, 2020 @ 5:12 pm
He was a great banker, but we were blessed to call Steve our friend! Our hearts are broken & our prayers continue for his precious family.