Gerald Russell was born on March 12. 1942 to the late Norval and Mary Evelyn Russell Morris in Metropolis Il. He died on December 29, 2016 after a long battle with COPD. He was a veteran of the Viet Nam War and spent most of his adult life with the harness horses that he loved. He was well known around most of the tracks in KY, IL, Ohio, PA, WV, NY, FL and Canada. In his early years, before the army, he worked for his step father, George (Red) Morris and then went on to work for Dee Stover, then Day Manges, where he drove his first race in 1962. He also worked for Bob Burns, and James Shafer, After Viet Nam, he struck out on his own, and kept a public stable until his death. He often said if he couldn’t be around the horses it was time to die. He loved to talk, loved American History, enjoyed the racetrack life, and being with his family. He always had a story to tell. Everybody around the racetrack knew Gerald. He would often help others in need, and never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife Linda Russell of Mason OH, twin daughters, Julie Gray, Kathie (Chris) Farmer, of Paducah KY, 4 grandchildren, Brandon and Emily Gray, and Zachary and Abbie Farmer, all of Paducah. Also surviving is a brother, Wade (Janie) Morris of Monticello Ga, and a nephew, Nick (Leanne) Morris of Ray City Ga.
Graveside services will be on January 7, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Temple Hill Baptist Church on Temple Hill Rd in Golconda, Il. In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Gerald Russell to:
Southland Ranch, P O Box 73, Lovelaceville, KY 42060
