Senator Stanley Russ

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Visitation Schedule
Central Baptist Church
3333 Dave Ward Drive
Conway, AR  72034
Monday, January 9, 2017
12Noon-1:00PM
Service Schedule
Central Baptist Church
3333 Dave Ward Dr.
Conway, AR  72034
Monday, January 9, 2017
1:00PM
Cemetery
Oak Grove Cemetery
329 Bruce St.
Conway, AR  72032
I served in the Army.
Senator Stanley RussI am a Veteran.

of Conway, AR

August 31, 1930 - January 5, 2017

Former Arkansas State Senator Stanley Russ of Conway departed this life on Thursday, January 5, 2017, three weeks after being diagnosed with leukemia. He was preceded in death by his parents, O.S. and Gene Russ; a sister, Laura Alice Benignus; and the love of his life, Nina Ruth Benton Russ, his sweetheart and wife for 55 years. He is survived by one daughter, Debbie Merritt (Jim) of Conway; a son, Stan Russ (Tami) of Little Rock; five grandchildren, Anna Ruth Merritt, Russ Merritt (Rachael), Libby Harrington (Ben), Kaitlin Russ and Molly Russ; two great-grandchildren, Aiden Merritt and Silas Merritt; one sister, Joann Austin of St. Louis, Missouri; special friend, Nina McGehee; and a host of other family and friends.

Stanley Russ was born on August 31, 1930, in Conway to O.S. Russ and Gene Browne Russ. He was the youngest of three children and attended the Training School on the campus of Arkansas State Teachers College-now the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) from the first grade through the seventh grade. In the eighth grade, he transferred to Conway Public Schools and graduated in 1948. He attended college at Arkansas Tech University from 1948 to 1950 before transferring to the University of Central Arkansas. He then transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in agriculture.

Stanley served in the U.S. Army from July 1952 until July 1954. He completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, and as a second lieutenant was an instructor of artillery. He was discharged with the rank of first lieutenant and was then named company commander in the Arkansas National Guard in Morrilton (Conway County). He remained in the Arkansas National Guard until September 1961, and in 1995, he was inducted into the U.S. Field Artillery OCS Hall of Fame at Fort Sill.

After leaving the Arkansas National Guard, he went to work in the life insurance business (and remained in the business throughout his time in the Arkansas Senate). Stanley is best known for having served for 26 years in the Arkansas State Senate. Senator Russ served from 1975 through the year 2000. Much of his legislative action was in support of public, private, and higher education.

Stanley was always available to his constituents and cared deeply for the area he represented, especially Faulkner County. He was a true friend of agriculture and was proud of his efforts to assist 4-H clubs throughout Arkansas. From 1977 to 1996, Senator Russ, along with Senators Joe Ray and Gene Rainwater, worked to obtain over $4 million to fund the Arkansas 4-H center.

When he was a senior in Conway High School, he was elected state president of the Future Farmers of America. While serving in the State Senate he worked to secure funding for 4-H building improvements and 4-H programs, as well as serving on the board of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation. To recognize the work and commitment of Senator Russ and that of Senator Rainwater to Arkansas 4-H, there is a lodging hall named in their honor at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, Russ-Rainwater Hall.

The list of his accomplishments, awards he received and the committees on which he served and was serving is lengthy, but several are especially worthy of mention. He was president pro tempore of the Arkansas Senate from 1995 to 1997, and served as governor on several occasions when both the governor and lieutenant governor were out of state at the same time. On one of those occasions, in November 1996, Russ created the Medal of Honor Commission that built the Medal of Honor Memorial on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds.

In 1981 he was named one of the Ten Outstanding State Legislators in the United States by the Assembly of State Government Employees. In 1985, he was honored by the Municipal League of Arkansas for Distinguished Service, and in 1986, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Conway Chamber of Commerce.

He was elected into the Arkansas Tech University Hall of Distinction in 1994 and the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2000. Russ was named, along with James Bridges, the 2012 University of Central Arkansas Distinguished Alumni. In 2001, the building that houses the UCA Department of Mass Communication was named Stanley Russ Hall in his honor. In February 2004, Russ was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from UCA.

After he retired from politics, Stanley continued to serve the public, in his own way by helping to keep Faulkner County clean; he was regularly seen picking up litter around town in Conway.

In his words, ''he was greatly blessed, highly favored, imperfect, but a forgiven child of the King.''

Visitation will be Monday, January 9, 2017, 12noon-1:00PM, at Central Baptist Church on Dave Ward Drive in Conway. A funeral service will follow at 1:00PM with Don Chandler, Lou Hardin and Larry Pillow officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway under the direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Conway.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the charity of your choice and/or keep his legacy of giving by picking up litter in your community and being a good steward of what we have been given.


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58 Condolence(s)
John & Cathy Lee
Conway,
Liked
Thursday, January 19, 2017

Stanley's neighbors in south Conway will sorely miss working with him or seeing him often picking up trash in our neighborhood. He set a beautiful example of humble & responsible leadership.

Audrey Burtrum-Stanley
NLR, AR
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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

As the past-President of the Friends of AETN, I knew former-Senator Russ was ever faithful to the needs and interest of Public Television, with the statewide studios located under -his-wing in Conway. Many times he would join in the events surrounding the activities of AETN - fund-raising, special show presentations as well as remembering the television network when voting in the Arkansas legislature. His good and caring deeds will flow onward through the improvements he made in Arkansas people's lives without their ever having to leave home. God Bless all the Russ family and friends.

Donna Kellar Johnson
Conway, AR
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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family are in my prayers. Mr. Stanley was a VERY sweet caring person. I always saw him with a smile on his face and a BIG HELLO to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.

Donna

Clare Crafton Tolleson
Conway,, AR
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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

{raying for you and your family in your time of loss.

Jawanda Barnett Mast
Olathe, KS
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Monday, January 9, 2017

Stan and family-
I was so sad to see that your dad had passed away. He was one of my all-time favorites. I started sending him Christmas cards again a few years ago and he wrote me the nicest letter. He was always so supportive of me as a person and professionally. He was a good man and a kind man. And I am grinning because I know he is with his beloved Nina and what a joyous day it must be. Prayers to you at this time.
Jawanda Barnett Mast

Jodie Pennington
Conway, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

We were sorry to hear of Stanley's passing. He was always such a gentleman and happy, supportive person. Our condolences to the family.

Kathy Spangler Hamlett
conway, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

Debbie & Stan,
I didn't get to see you in person today and tell you how much I respected your dad. He meant so much to my parents & me. He seemed to have total recall of everything he read. I so admired him and his faith. I know you can take some comfort in the fact that he is with your mom now. Still he will be greatly missed. I enjoyed seeing him at the farm store in his green wellies and the chamber luncheon in a suite & tie, he was the same no matter where he was and it was an honor to know him.

David and Dana Moseley
Russellville, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

David and I send sympathy and prayers to the family of Stanley Russ. Stanley was the first person we met when we moved to Conway. We appreciate his kindness shown to us over the years and the many services he provided to citizens of Arkansas during his tenure in the Senate. God Bless

Ronnie & Carolyn Garrett
Greenbrier, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

We were saddened to hear of your passing. We have a lot of very fond memories of you. You were a good friend to the Garrett family and will always remain in our hearts and in our prayers. Sorry we could not be there today, but know that you were a very good example of a great person inside and out. Prayers for your family. Lil Bullhauler & Carolyn Garrett

Jerry case
conway,
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Monday, January 9, 2017

To the Russ family so sorry for your loss he will be missed by many had a chance to talk with him recently was glad to be able to have done that your family our in my prayers

Patricia Walsh
Conway, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

So sorry about Stanley. He was a special person. He will be missed.

Jo Crews
BENTON, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

Stan and Debbie,
So very sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I consider it a privilege and honor to have worked with him for so many years. He was a true southern gentleman. Your dad was a man of his word and a wonderful Christian public servant. He was always an encouragement to those around him and especially to me as I was learning the ropes in my early years at the Capitol. You and your families will both be in my prayers and thoughts.
Jo Stinnett Crews

Chester C. Feagin JR
Mobile, AL
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Monday, January 9, 2017

It is with deep regret that I have learned of your passing from this life to a better one. While enjoying the presence of Nina say hello to Donnie who left us 9/18/16. The world is a better place for having you to pass thru it and I will join all you in the sweet by and by. The Lord is busy picking all of His roses and He has my vote on you. God Bless your family for they have lost a great Daddy and Friend.

Scott Hunter
Conway, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

All men should be great leaders like Senator Russ. His vision will be missed, and may he Rest in Eternal Peace.

Henry Turner
Morrilton, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

Stanley has been a great friend down through the years and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of loss.
Henry Turner

cathy goodnight
conway, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

Senator Russ was a great person, that just doesn't seem to be enough said about this wonderful man, We all loved him and we thank his family for sharing him with us he will be missed but we will see him again in the arms of his heavenly father, never any doubt about his salvation and his savior. My God's loving arms carry yall through this heart break and comfort you

Ricky & Gayle Eastin
Harrisburg, AR
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Monday, January 9, 2017

So sorry to hear of the passing of our Dear Friend Stanley. We met Stanley around 1990 buying some Cattle from him. We have stayed in touch every since, phone calls, Cards etc. He was a Very Caring man, Always there to help in any way he could. His shoes will Not be easy Filled , Stanley was a one of a Kind man. He will be Greatly Missed by All who knew him. Prayers for his Children and Grandchildren, now and in the days to Come. RIP Stanley with Your Precious wife , Nina.

He was truly a very remarkable Caring Man ! And We are proud to have had the opportunity to meet him and call him Friend.

Ricky & Gayle Eastin
Harrisburg, Ar.

Linda Maddox
Quitman, AR
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

It is with deep respect that we offer our condolences to the family of Stanley Russ. My dad was a fellow Mason and a Township Committeeman for many years and had a high regard for Mr. Russ. We were very honored when he attended the funeral of our dad in January, 1999. With sincere sympathy,
The W. G. Ward family

Crystal (Parish) Ragland
Rockwall,
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

As a recipient of one of the notes Mr. Russ wrote, I must say that it was greatly appreciated and made me feel special. He was a friend to all. My mother worked for him and his wife for many years and she was already treated as a valuable asset. He will be missed.

Harry and Norma Self
conway, AR
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

What an honor to have known such a great man.

Bobby and Julie Hill
Conway,
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

We are sad to see that our dear friend and neighbor has passed away. What a blessing Stanley Russ was to the Community of Conway, Faulkner County, our colleges and our state. It was a privilege to know him. Stanley Russ was a always positive, supportive and encouraging. He will be missed by our family.

Milo and Ann Shult
Doss, TX
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

We were so sorry to hear of Stanley's passing and extend our condolences and prayers to his family. We first met Stanley and Nina when we moved to Conway in 1992. It was immediately apparent what marvelous people they were. In all my dealings with Stanley, I never had anything but total respect, admiration and truly love for him as a human being. His honesty, integrity and dedication to helping others made him the epitome of what someone in public life should be like.
Our faith teaches us that, while we mourn his passing, we really are celebrating his birthday in Heaven. What a glorious celebration it must be and now he and Nina can continue their total love for each other together through eternity.

Jack Lawrence
VIlonia,
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

Jack Lawrence wants to send his condolences to family of Stanley Russ he was a good friend and wishes he was able to go the services.

Gene and Linda Manning
Conway, AR
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

Although I was not a personal friend of Senator Russ, I have a deep sense of loss for our community with his passing. He was a good man who took the time to touch many lives around him---"Love thy Neighbor as thyself." We have a card, in which he wrote a personal note to Linda and me on our 50th wedding anniversary, and enclosed a copy of the newspaper article. A kind word makes a lasting impression. Prayers and Blessings to his family and friends.

Guy Ransom, Jr.
Jonesboro, AR
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

My sincere condolences to the family of Stanley. The last time I saw him was last year attending a reunion of Conway High School schoolmates. He and Nina were a couple of years ahead of me in school. I had the utmost respect for Stanley as a gentleman. May Our Lord Bless you all.

Pat and Sammi Bruich
Conway,
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

Senator Russ had a big impact on our lives as well as he did on many others. He had the courage to make a difference and he did. He would take the time to mail newspaper articles with letters of congratulations to aquaintences in our community. Our prayers go out to his family and multitudes of friends. He will be missed but never forgotten. He has worked hard on earth and now, without a doubt, is safe in his heavenly home.

Barbara Newkirk
Conway, AR
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Sunday, January 8, 2017

I had the pleasure of meeting Senator Russ and his lovely wife. They were truly nice people and Senator Russ will be missed. Rest in peace, sir.

Mark Smith
El Dorado, AR
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

It was my pleasure to serve with Senator Russ in the State Legislature during his last session. The picture of Stanley, Governor Huckabee and myself about two minutes into the Memorial Video is from the April 12, 2000 bill signing for Senator Russ's bill that finally banned smoking in our State Capitol. Stanley was a well-known advocate for smoke-free environments and had battled for many years to make the Capitol smoke-free before finally being successful in his last year in office. In later years I would sometimes see him at Razorback games in Little Rock. I remember him as a strong leader- especially for Higher Education and a true gentlemen. My prayers and sympathy to the Russ family. I know he will be missed.

Anita
Enola,
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

There are so many words to describe Stanley Russ and what he was to so many. He never met a person that he didn't lend a hand to if they needed it. He will never be forgotten just as he never forgot anyone he crossed paths with. Rest in peace our sweet friend and rejoice in seeing your sweet Nina once again.
William Martin and family
Glen & Cyerice Martin and family
Travis & Anita Chance - Colt, Katie and Ethan

G.L. and Cissy Mahan Lieblong
Scottsdale, AZ
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

The world has lost a man of consequence. Stanley Russ was a man that as far as we know , was admired and respected by all who knew him. We have not seen Stanley in many many years but he occasionally would send an article through the years he had clipped that concerned our family. He was very good to visit my elderly father in Martinville. The world could use more people like Stanley Russ. He truly made the world a better place by being here and our prayers and love go out to his family and his special friend. He will be missed and never forgotten.

Blessings and Prayers,

Cissy Mahan Lieblong

James and Shirley Pollard
Conway, AR
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

Mr. Russ was for sure the nicest, kindest and most caring man that we have ever known. He had a great presence wherever he was. One of those people, when he spoke you listened. We too have received those newspaper clippings from the Log Cabin with a note attached and cherish them still. We were both honored with his attendance at our retirement parties from the Conway Corporation and Ott Insurance.

He is truly a legend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Kelly McClung (Levey)
,
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

I remember Mr Russ as our good neighbor since I was a little girl. He was such a nice man, he would always be out in the pasture with his cattle and his big fuzzy sheep dog. He would let me tag along sometimes. I remember on Christmas Ms. Nina would deliver the best M-n-M cookies for my brother and I. That has now become my family tradition with my kids at Christmas. They are both greatly missed but what a glorious day for him and Nina to be reunited.

Rick & Melinda Reynolds
Greenbrier, AR
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

To the Russ family, Stanley was a great person who treated everyone the same. I enjoyed his visits during my time in the Courthouse. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

John Ed & Danita Webb
Conway, AR
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

Debbie and Stan and families,
You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was a wonderful man and one of a kind. He never met a stranger and never forgot names. He will be missed by Conway and those closest to him. It warms my heart to think of him and your Mom finally together again.
God Bless you all,
John Ed and Danita

Dick and Janie Longing
Conway,
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

Stanley Russ was always an inspiration to all who love integrity. Honest and faithful in all of his endeavors. We admired him and celebrated his accomplishments. He is in Heaven now also receiving his heavenly rewards. PTL

Lulu Thompson
Conway, AR
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

Senator Stanley Russ was my friend long before he became Senator. He always called me by my nick name and had a good story or memory to share about my parents Milmo and Louise Black. I was blessed to have his granddaughter, Anna, as a student, daughter Debbie as a friend and to have known his dear mother. When he became State Senator all our boys (Jay, Mike and Brock) were pages for him. They each have their individual picture with him. Thanks to this family for sharing him with us! Much love and wonderful memories of all the family, Lulu B. Thompson

Ann & Ed Eason
Conway, AR
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

It is with deep sadness that we learned of Stanley's passing. What a truly great man, servant, and child of God. We knew Stanley for many years. For a few years it was my great honor to co-teach a Sunday School class with him. He was in all ways an astonishing man and an exemplary Christian.

We mourn with his family, and look forward with increasing anticipation to that certain reunion when we shall join him in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

In Christ's love,
Ann & Ed

Sue Shock
Vilonia, AR
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Saturday, January 7, 2017

A servant's heart. A kind word. A smile. A gentle man. What it takes to get the job done. Fair. Gracious. Thoughtful. These are the words that I think of when I think of him. Always amazing that he made the time to send you a word or two when you never had a clue he even knew what was going on in your life. A good example.

Kelly
Greenbrier, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Always so humble and kind. He certainly made the world a better plac. Prayers for your family.

Donna Berry
Conway, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Mr. Stanley was one of the kindest man I knew and was so considerate. My earliest memory of him is when my mom was working for Farm Bureau Insurance. She introduced me to Mr. Stanley and to a short 10-yr girl, he was one of the tallest men I'd ever met.

Eleven years ago, he sent a letter attached with an article with a picture, cut out of the LCD, to my 11-yr old grandson congratulating him on his first deer killed. Yes, he did this for many many people , this was the kind of man he was.

We'll miss Mr. Stanley's smiling face around town. Just proud that I had a chance to know this wonderful man. Prayers for his family.

Steven Horton
Conway, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

I first had my experience with Stanley in August of 1996 when my daughter started kindergarten. The Log Cabin had taken a picture of her and my wife and had it on the front page. Stanley and Nina saw this picture and fell in love with it, so with that being said i received a big brown envelope in the mail with a copy of a picture of the front page laminated and a beautiful letter with it. I was moved that he and Nina took time to do this for a perfect stranger. I was never a stranger after that. If Stanley would see me dining or just in a store he would come over and talked to me. I always felt comfortable and welcome around him. In 2003 I started attending UCA and just about every morning their was Stanley at the coffee shop and we would talk about my studies and encourage me. I know he was a God fearing man and that he is rejoicing with the Lord and with Nina and other family and friends thats gone before him. God Bless Stanley and I pray that he comforts his family and friends here on earth.

Patricia Heath
Conway, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of such a good man. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Jamie Pollard
Conway,
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Mr. Russ will be sorely missed😥 I think he must have known everyone in Faulkner County! He was so good at mailing newspaper clippings with a little note to his constituents. A true gentleman.

Jimmy & Jann Bryant
Conway, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Jann and I extend to the family of Senator Stanley Russ our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. Senator Russ was a very kind man and was a great friend. He was always a pleasure to visit with and never failed to ask how my family was getting along. We are better for having known someone of his faith, dedication and commitment to his fellow man. Again, we are very sorry for your loss and will remember your family in our prayers.

With Love and Respect,
Jimmy & Jann Brryant

Patricia Heath
Conway, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Senator Russ was such a positive example to me in more ways than one. I wanted to send my condolences to his family and let them know how much of a positive impact he had one many lives during his lifetime. You are all in my prayers. God Bless.

Janet Crow
Conway,
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Friday, January 6, 2017

David and I extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Russ family . Sen. Russ was such a sweet , kind and godly leader . He will be missed . Thankful he knew the Lord and is rejoicing with Him today . Conway and the state of Arkansas has lost a great man .

Edith Bradberry
Pulaski,
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Friday, January 6, 2017

I know he will be missed!

Don and Raye Jean Linn
Damascus, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Our deepest sympathy to all of the family. He was a true Southern gentleman who made the world better by just being here.

Jennie Benton
Jacksonville, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Stanley was such a wonderful Godly man that was a dear friend of my sister. Our family has learned to love him and look forward to seeing him at our family gatherings. We will miss him for sure but I know we should be celebrating his life, prayers for his whole family.

Dr. Lee and Sandra Tyner
Starkville, MS
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Stanley was the very first person who came to our door to visit when we moved to Conway in 1971. He became one of our very best friends and was a great example for a young man just beginning a new career. Sandra and I will never forget him, he was always friendly and helpful. Stanley was one of the best.

Debbie whillock
Clinton, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Stanley Russ was a great friend to my parents, Red and Mollye Taylor and drove to Clinton to visit right before my dad died and it was so appreciated. He was a fine man and will be greatly missed.

Debbie Whillock

Ruby Hopper
Damascus, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss. Stanley was a great person and I will never forget him. I met him during his campaign for Senator and still have the get well card he sent me after my stay in Conway.
Heaven has gained another angel.
God bless you all

Pat Edwards
Conway, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

My deepest sympathy in the loss of a great man. He will be missed by all. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.

Terri Boyd Shotts
Little Rock, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Senator Russ was a true gentleman and a treasure to Faulkner County and the great state of Arkansas. We are fortunate to have known him. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.

Terri Boyd Shotts
Cecille Boyd

Janis Garrett Robbins
Greenbrier, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Mr. Russ was always friendly, knew that he enjoyed talking with you even though he was very busy; he always took time for you. He was genuinely a people person, he loved being a helpful person. He was very helpful to volunteer fire departments, farmers, state employees, too numerous to mention. He will be dearly missed. God bless all of his families and friends, you are in my prayers. I'm sure Mr. Russ heard, "Well done thou good and faithful servant".

Euna Garrett
Greenbrier,
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Friday, January 6, 2017

We are sorry to hear this news, praying for his families. Stanley was a great friend to Hallous, he was always nice, friendly and helpful. God bless all of you.

Bob Barham & Family
Conway, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Sen. Russ was a kind-hearted man who served the State of Arkansas well. He cared for people, loved his family and friends, and was a good Christian man. I have and will continue to miss his presence in church. Our prayers for strength and comfort for your family during the difficult days ahead.

Sarah Slocum Collins
Rogers, AR
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Friday, January 6, 2017

Senator Russ was a true gem in Arkansas politics. I remember often visiting with him during my days as a student intern at UCA. What a profound impact he made on shaping my love for politics and public service. My sincere condolences to you and your family.