of Little Rock, AR

January 22, 1944 - December 14, 2025

Russell Doyne Harrington, Jr. peacefully entered his heavenly home on December 14, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas, with his family by his side. Russ was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Honey and Reverend Russell D. Harrington, Sr., and was big brother to the three younger sisters. After spending his early years in Little Rock, Russ grew up in Nettleton, Arkansas, where he graduated from Nettleton High School. He then began his studies at Arkansas State University in 1962. Active and engaged as a student, Russ was a proud member of the Arkansas State University student body and participated in Lambda Chi Alpha men's fraternity. While attending ASU, Russ met his future wife, Donna Kay Singer of Palestine, Arkansas. They were married on September 3, 1966, and recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with two children and two grandsons whose lives were enriched by Russ's unwavering love, guidance, and devotion.

After graduating from Arkansas State University ROTC in 1962, he became an Army second lieutenant in the medical service corps. As commander of the 561st Medical Ambulance Company in Saigon, Vietnam, he created an ambulance evacuation system that improved casualty transportation and managed the busiest medical evacuation landing zone in the area. His leadership earned him several medals, including the Vietnam Service Medal, and later honored as an ASU Distinguished Alumni and induction into the ROTC Hall of Heroes. It was during his time in Vietnam that Russ discovered his lifelong calling to hospital administration and healthcare. After his discharge as a first lieutenant, Russ and Donna moved to Missouri, where he earned a master's degree in health service management from the University of Missouri.

In 1973, Russ joined faith-based Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock as assistant administrator, where he began his mentorship by longtime president John Gilbreath. In 1978, he became the Administrator of Baptist Medical Center, and then in 1984, he succeeded John Gilbreath as President and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health.

His career in healthcare leadership was shaped by his deep faith. His love for healthcare and his love for people became not just a job but a ministry, as he began to view each patient and employee interaction as an opportunity to serve and uplift others. Inspired by his father, a reverend who ministered to all he encountered, Russ brought the same compassion and devotion to a career that directly impacted lives and healthcare throughout the state. Jim Teeter, President Emeritus, Arkansas Hospital Association, said, ''More than 50 years of healthcare leadership, 40 of them at Baptist Health, is remarkable. But what truly sets Russ Harrington apart is that his impact will continue long after his tenure, in the hospitals that are stronger because of him, in the professionals he inspired, and in the countless Arkansans whose lives are healthier and more hopeful.''

On July 1, 2014, Russ stepped down as President and CEO of Baptist Health. His distinguished career culminated in the honor of having the Little Rock campus renamed the Baptist Health Russell D. Harrington Jr. Campus.

Commitment to community was evidenced for example by his involvement with the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce and as a past board member of the Pulaski County United Way. His service to Baptist Health and the larger community extended to his devotion to his church of more than 50 years, Immanuel Baptist Church. Russ leant his leadership and talents to the adult sanctuary choir and as a young adult Sunday school teacher. He served as a Deacon, as a member for three pastor search committees, chairman of the Future Options Committee, chairman for the Church Relocation Committee, director of the Generations Campaign, and as a church Trustee elected in 2017.

His deep love for family was demonstrated through his relationships with his wife, 2 children and 2 grandsons. Russ found great joy in spending time with his family at their house on the Little Red River, especially giving rides to his grandsons, Cole and Patrick, on the ATV mule four-wheeler. He also enjoyed going to the weekend movie with his wife and their friends. Following his retirement, one of his life-long dreams and greatest adventure was a trip to Israel with his wife and group from church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Harrington, who was his steadfast partner throughout nearly six decades of marriage. He leaves behind his two children, Stephanie Harrington and Brooks Harrington. Russ was also a devoted grandfather, affectionately known as ''Poppy,'' to his grandsons, Cole Harrington and Patrick Harrington, cherishing every moment spent with them.

In addition to his immediate family, Russ is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Bishop, and her husband, Jim Bishop. His extended family includes his nieces, Kara Oosterhouse and her husband, Tim Oosterhouse, Jenny Williams and her husband, Richard Williams, as well as his nephews, Josh Bishop and his wife, Ashliegh Bishop, and Sloan Bishop.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Honey and R.D. Harrington Sr., his sister Pam Mills and spouse Richard Mills; and his sister Sharon Ledrick.

A private family burial is scheduled for Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, on Friday, December 19, 2025, at noon. The family visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Immanuel Baptist Church followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Immanuel Baptist Church and to the Baptist Health Foundation.

The services will be live streamed on Immanuel Baptist Church's YouTube channel.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com