December 2, 1960 - May 24, 2022
John Steven Russell was born December 2, 1960 in Hope, Arkansas to Wayne and Ruby Russell. As a graduate from Hope Arkansas High School, Steven continued his education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville as a member of the PI Kappa Alpha fraternity. He then completed his degree at Pulaski Technical College in Information Technology.
After completing his degree, Steven embarked on a long and successful career. He worked for Complete Computing, LSC Marketing, and Source One until his retirement on March 25, 2022.
In 1983, Steven married Tina Wyatt Russell. This union made Steven a father, to Blake Breshears and Whitney Wyatt Russell soon followed two years later. Steven and Tina were together for 42 years of life full of love.
Steven was an early member of the Jay Cee's and River Fest volunteer working in the communication's area for ten years. He was a member of the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church where he and Tina were married, raised their children, taught Sunday school and he was a volunteer driver of the church bus.
As an avid outdoorsman, Steven was most at home in the wilderness. To Steven, the outdoors provided for wide open spaces full of adventure and challenge. Steven worked as an elk guide at Budge's Flattops Wilderness Lodge with his great friend, Jimmy Nelson for two seasons. He would name this as one of his grandest adventures. There was a different light in his eyes when he recalled his time spent guiding elk hunters through valleys and mountain passes on horseback. The outdoors was Steven's happy place. Steven was a member of various hunting clubs over the years where he made lifelong friendships that he truly cherished; Mallard Mansion Duck Club at Lodge Corner, AR, Turner Neal Hunting Club in Gould, AR and Buck Dynasty Hunting Club at Wye Mountain, AR. Steven also maintained a commitment to annual trips with friends and family. He travelled to South Dakota for pheasant hunts at the Horse Shoe K Ranch with his brother Mike and friends; Reel Foot Lake, in Northwest, TN where he enjoyed duck hunting with his dear friend Kent Driscoll, guide, Ronnie Capps and many other friends. He enjoyed the annual squirrel hunt at Turner Neal Hunting Club with his dear friends Van Dunn, Jeremy Dunn, Jimmy Nelson and Clay Basham, who would bring his squirrel dogs, and his yearly crappie fishing trips at Lake Greeson, a favorite childhood lake that Steven continued to frequent throughout his life. Steven was dedicated to an eclectic group of friends that covered his wide range of interests, most heavily focused on the outdoors. He would exude joy when he described the grand views of a setting sun on a mountain range, a rising sun in the timber and marshes, daylight breaking thru the forest or the simple light in the night provided by a camp fire surrounded by his friends and family. Steven was one of the family keepers of the prized Wyatt family BBQ sauce recipe, as well as the creator of his famous Bloody Mary mix, that was enjoyed by all on their hunting and fishing expeditions.
Steven battled a debilitating disease, Multiple Myeloma for seven years. He is described by his colleagues, family and friends as Superman for the way he fought against this disease. During his treatments, Steven never wavered from his commitment to his family, to his work, to his friends, or to his recreational pursuits. As noted in the many kind and wonderful comments on Steven's passing, one in particular by Chris Cronin, personifies the Steven we all knew and loved. Chris first met Steven after his company bought out LSC marketing where Steven was the general manager. ''Over the next few months of this transition he proved himself invaluable in every aspect of everything that he did. He taught me how to be calm, and showed a steady hand with everything he touched. He completely transformed my three companies into hyper efficient machines. Everything he touched got better, especially me, because of him. I may have been his boss, but for the next eight years I worked for him, as we all did. He showed my two sons what discipline and grace looked like every day. He never wavered in any pursuit. When he got sick some years ago, he continued to fight, fight, fight and never complained about his lot. No matter what the doctors threw at him he was always at his desk before anyone else every day until he resigned. The employees bought him a superman cape one year just to let him know that we recognized what we saw in him. I can honestly tell you that I am most definitely a better person because of him. Today I lost my dear friend and mentor. Rest in Peace Superman!''
Steven Russell AKA John Steven Russell, in his formal communications to various government entities whom he so graciously advised on a wide range of issues he felt that they could definitely do better on.
Left to cherish Steven's memory are his wife, Tina Wyatt Russell; son, Blake Breshears (Stacie); daughter, Whitney Wyatt Hollingsworth (Joey); and six grandchildren, Alysa Tiner (Ethan), Javid Hollingsworth, Vidocq Hollingsworth, Dixie Watson, Wyatt Breshears and Willa Breshears; sister, Lynn Teague; brothers, Mike Russell (Mellissa) and Phil Russell (Melinda); nephew, Drew Russell (Julie); nieces, Lynsey Russell, Meghan Russell, Maggie Russell (Jake), Sarah Beth Leader (Jonathan), Tiffany Rowe (Josh); and his loving mother, Ruby Russell; a special cherished memory, Bristol Tiner, great-grand daughter, and his late father, Wayne Russell.
Memorials may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Center at UAMS.
The family would like to give a special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at UAMS who cared for Steven during his seven year battle.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m., located at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.
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41 Condolence(s)
Roger&Debbie Wright
Saturday, June 11, 2022
We pray for you and the kids during this difficult time. Stephen was such a special person. He will be greatly missed. â¤ï¸ðŸ™
Kerri & Charles Peden
Friday, June 10, 2022
Love & prayers 💙
Lindsey & Westyn Bryant
Friday, June 10, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Russell through his daughter’s eyes and oh how she adored him! He was one-of-a-kind! Whitney, we are here for you ALWAYS.
Derek and Kathleen Marks
Friday, June 10, 2022
We were lucky to find ourselves neighbors with such a wonderful man. He was an example of kindness and bravery. We are thankful for the opportunity to get to know him a little and he will be missed.
Sherri & Eddie Hardwick
Thursday, June 9, 2022
Tina, Ruby,Lynn,Mike& Phillip,
We are praying for all of you. We have fond , cherished memories of Steven & the Russell Family. God Bless all of you !!
Love Sherri, Eddie & Family
Nathan and Chloé Mattox
Monday, June 6, 2022
Dear Russell family,
We are thinking of and praying for you all during this time. We hope the service provides you all with beautiful times of memory, storytelling, and reconnection. What a tribute this is to your brother, Mr Mike!
The Mattox family
Gina Pharis
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Tina, I as well as Byl Harriell will cherish our memories of Steven while working Riverfest all those years. We both are so sorry for your loss, our hearts are heavy learning about Steven's passing.
Gina Marchese Pharis
Wade Timmermann
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
I got to know Steven when he became part of the source1 team and i figured out real quick he knew how to lift people up around him and make them better, as a vendor he did the same for me and we had a mutual respect that you cant always get and that made the relationship strong. My team and I will miss him greatly and this country lost a good one.
Thoughts and prayers to the Russell family.
Troy Cheatham
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Steven and I worked together for decades at Complete Computing. I had the opportunity to hunt with Steven on several occasions and we always had a blast. We had the privilege to work together from the early days of the technology boom and to grow a company together with everything that entails. I last texted with Steven at the End of April to check on him. As always, he did not complain about his lot in life and had some encouraging words for me. Steven was a good man and a good friend. Tina and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Steven has been superman throughout this journey.
Sally Becherer
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
I am grateful to have known Steven. Some of my best memories growing up include playing in Oakhaven with Steven and friends. We rode horses bare back, explored hay tunnels in the giant barn, and laughed mightily. Steven was a natural at making people laugh and helped others feel better about themselves. He was kind soul and world has lost a good man. My love goes out to all of his family. Rest in peace dear Steven.
Tiffany & Russell Rogers
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Tina & Family - we always enjoyed spending time with you and Steven. Prayers for peace.
Lorraine Reed-Grigsby
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Sending hugs and prayers to you Tina. Steven was always friendly. Praying that God keep his loving arms around you.
John T. Byrd
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Brother Steven, thank you for the beautiful memories that I have often reflected on fondly throughout my life; memories I've shared with my oldest son and even strangers. From the time we first meet in junior high, throughout highschool, and that insane year we spent living together in college, wow, perhaps not the best idea afterall:)
Oh my gosh, the fun, the laughter, and the tears we shared in our youth; how beautiful. Yes, I will always look back on those times as being some of the happiest moments in my life. I will continue to celebrate your life, our time together, and will always cherish the wonderful memories you've given me!
To Tina, Blake, Whitney, and the whole Russell family, my deepest condolences; mere words cannot express my sincerest sympathy. God bless you during this time of sorrow; be strong in the Lord and the power of his might.
To Ruby (always be Mrs. Russell to me) a special prayer for you on the loss of your baby boy; a son could not have had a better mother. You and Mr, Russell too are deeply embedded in my mind as well.
Doris Stewart
Friday, May 27, 2022
Rest in Love !!
Darin Leslie
Friday, May 27, 2022
I worked with Steven for a number of years at LSC. Nothing I can say that hasn't already been repeated here multiple times. He was a fine, decent man. Never saw him rattled or heard him raise his voice. Someone who obviously loved life and his family. When I last saw him a few months ago I thought you'd never know the struggle he's been through from talking to him. His strength was inspirational.
God bless the Russell family in this hardest of times.
Mike Waters
Friday, May 27, 2022
I am so sad to learn of Steven's passing. Ruby, Lynn, Mike, and Phil, my thoughts are with you all.
Tommy Waters
Friday, May 27, 2022
Steven and I were childhood friends developed by the love and friendship of the Russell’s and Waters’. Prayers to the family.
Laura Ann Winning
Friday, May 27, 2022
The entire Russell family is in our thoughts and prayers. From the first time I met him in Hope, Arkansas. He made you feel comfortable. Mike, I know you will miss him greatly.
Everlean Porter
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Steven was my classmate and at our last High School Reunion he shared his illness with us. I agree with his friend, he was like Superman. We could tell from everything he showed and told us he was a fighter. May he rest in peace. He will truly be missed. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Wayne and Elaine Johnson
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Steven has shown us all courage and strength! Our sincere sympathy to Steven’s loving family!!
Janet A. Patterson
Thursday, May 26, 2022
REST IN PEACE, my friend and classmate, you will be truly missed, May God bless You Tina and your family â¤ï¸
William C Knoedl
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Rip my great friend u will forever b missed love u brother
Scott & Amy Schuh
Thursday, May 26, 2022
As a former employer, I agree 100% with Chris Cronin's remarks in his obituary. Simply, if you listened to Steven (and any smart person would,) you received lessons on being a better boss/employee/person. He made the same impact on my company and not sure how I could have made my business transition without Superman on the job. Even in recent years, Steven continued to teach me about hunting and an occasional political conversation that he always handled with poise even though we were on two different sides on some issues. He was truly "one of a kind" and I'll miss him until I join him in heaven...ready to learn some more from him. God Bless the Russell family on your loss.
David and Sherrie Satterwhite
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Steven was a very dear friend of ours and will be missed by so many. Our heart goes out to you Tina and your family. Rest in peace StevenðŸ™ðŸ™
Mary Ann Dalmut
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Tina, where do I begin with the memories I have of you and Steven the past 15 years. My first culinary experience with him was when he brought you roast beef and vegetables to work! Best ever. He was a great cook and so fun and kind to me. I loved his smile and all the many countless expressions of love I saw him show you. It was a great love; the movie reviews we shared, his intense, never ending energy, his unending love of hunting and fishing, all of which you will remember with laughter and tears. I still have the pheasant feathers he brought me back from his Dakota hunting trip with Mike. Precious memories, precious friends.
Kent Driscoll
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Steven was a true southern gentlemen with super hero powers for sure. His dedication to his family, friends, and career was truly amazing. I will cherish the memories from the many days we spent in the field together. I will miss my dear friend but know we will be united again. Love you brother!
Susan Russell Flora
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Steven was my first cousin. Our fathers were brothers. I grew up spending time with Lynn and Mike, Steven’s older siblings. By the time Steven was born, we relocated too far to visit and as a result, I only actually saw Steven two times. Once as a child and once as an adult. What an extraordinary man he must have been. Aunt Ruby, God bless you and comfort you. I know your heart is broken. You have much to be proud of in the outstanding life of your baby boy though. . Love you,
Anderson Family
Thursday, May 26, 2022
One can only hope to have the courage and fight that Steve showed. He left lasting impressions everywhere he traveled. No job was ever too hard, no mountain was ever too high, and not one person was ever left without a smile. A true friend that touched so many. God Bless Tina and the family.
Lisa Ford
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Steven was one of my childhood friends and next door neighbor in Oakhaven. I have many fond memories of him. Wishing his family peace in this difficult time.
Lisa Lazenby Fordâ¤
Tina Harshaw Burchette
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Prayers and thoughts for Tina and family during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Classmate ♥ï¸
Susan and Jerry Cohen
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Tina, We will always cherish our memories of Steven while working Riverfest with him. We are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jerry and Susan Cohen
Mike Bennett
Thursday, May 26, 2022
I enjoyed our coon hunts at Turner Neal hunting club. I am praying for your family.
Jann Keesee
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Steven was a great man. I always looked forward to those bacon wrapped quail he would fix and send to us by Tina. You’re all in my thoughts, prayers and heart â¤ï¸
Gary Burrow
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Prayers for your family Steven. A good friend that was taken too soon.
Frederick Johnson
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Steven was such a great friend in High School and the class of “79â€. We were/are a very close class. His presence will definitely be missed and our prayers are continually with Tina and his family.
Jennifer Crook
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Such a kind, strong, caring, man. Everything I ever heard about him or seen was, always from such a good hearted, loving man. He was so positive and such a blessing to have met and heard stories about. He definitely made a mark on everyone he met. Rest in love! Prayers to the family for comfort and strength. He is no longer in pain but will be forever missed. Love to the family.
Charlie Kent
Thursday, May 26, 2022
A true “Champion among Menâ€. I’ll always carry great memories of my pheasant hunt days with my friend…….and a true gentleman.
Kim Ugartechea
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.
Monique Parks
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Prayers for and the family!
Eric Elizondo
Thursday, May 26, 2022
The Man of Steel! The Man amongst men. I will forever remember the examples you set in representing yourself and your beautiful family. It is truly an honor to call you a friend. You will forever be missed and loved in my heart. Rest in Love brother.
Emily Sledge
Thursday, May 26, 2022
Wishing you peace and comfort as you celebrate Mr. Russell’s beautiful life.