of Benton, AR
March 1, 1953 - August 28, 2025
Richard Lee Russenberger, age 72, Benton, Arkansas
Rick or Ricky as most knew him went to join the Spirit in the Sky on Thursday August 28, 2025.
Rick was a ''Rocker'' at heart and played with many groups in and around Little Rock, which he called ''little or no rock.'' He played bass for Art Porter at Cajuns Wharf, and for Charles Thomas at the Stateroom. Many nights Rick played two gigs at different venues. His band played the Governors Ball multiple times and opened for some of the top groups in the world. Art Porter along with Rick christened the USS ARKANSAS. His band Arkansas Star did shows with Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Atlanta Rhythm Section and others. His band in Florida, King Bees played all around the space coast.
Rick taught music lessons for years at his studio in Benton along with teaching music at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County. His greatest thrill was to find a student who loved to play as much as he did.
Rick is survived by his brother Ray Russenberger (Valerie) of Pensacola, Florida and sister Rita Russenberger Bragg of Las Cruces, New Mexico and many loving nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at the Holiday Inn Express Bryant/Benton Alcoa Road on September 13th from 2: 00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.
Please wear your favorite bands T-shirt and come with ''Rick'' stories to celebrate a life well lived.
Sign Guestbook
5 Condolence(s)
Tammy Fuller
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Rick, also known to me as Big Daddy, was my dear friend for 30 years. We first met in the casino business in Biloxi, Mississippi, around 1995. He may have been a dealer at the time, but what I remember most is him playing in the band after his shift. On my breaks, I’d always slip in to listen, dance, and just enjoy the music.
In 1997, I pulled together a crew to leave Biloxi and head to Florida. Rick didn’t hesitate when I asked, he simply said, “When are we leaving” He became my roommate there, along with many others, and we worked together on the Diamond Royale casino boat, the Sun Cruise, and the Sterling. Rick also played in bands along the Space Coast, and many nights I fell asleep with a pillow over my head just to drown out his late-night jam sessions.
Rick was like a brother to me. He was kind, had a heart of gold, and loved everyone. He made friends wherever he went. Even after he moved to Arkansas, we stayed in touch and could talk for hours on the phone.
I’m going to miss you, my friend. Love you forever until we meet again.
Tammy Fuller
Tammy Fuller
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Rick, also known to me as Big Daddy, was my dear friend for 30 years. We first met in the casino business in Biloxi, Mississippi, around 1995. He may have been a dealer at the time, but what I remember most is him playing in the band after his shift. On my breaks, I’d always slip in to listen, dance, and just enjoy the music.
In 1997, I pulled together a crew to leave Biloxi and head to Florida. Rick didn’t hesitate—when I asked, he simply said, “When are we leaving” He became my roommate there, along with many others, and we worked together on the Diamond Royale casino boat, the Sun Cruz, and the Sterling. Rick also played in bands along the Space Coast, and many nights I fell asleep with a pillow over my head just to drown out his late-night jam sessions.
Rick was like a brother to me. He was kind, had a heart of gold, and loved everyone. He made friends wherever he went. Even after he moved to Arkansas, we stayed in touch and could talk for hours on the phone.
I’m going to miss you, my friend. Love you forever—until we meet again.
—Tammy Fuller
Kenny Hall
Friday, September 5, 2025
R.I.Paradise Rick, my musician friend. GOD bless the families.May GOD be with you at this trying time Rock on RICK !
Mark Allen
Friday, September 5, 2025
I had the pleasure and the privilege of playing drums with Rick in numerous bands during his residencies in Mississippi and in Florida. He always brought his best playing to the music we did both on bass guitar and on keyboards. We were friends outside of music and after we both entered the gaming industry we even worked on the same dice crews. Rick was like a brother to me. He was my best man at my wedding and my wife Nora and I have many unforgettable memories of him. I know he’s still playing his best music ever. Rest in peace Rick.
Michele Engle
Friday, September 5, 2025
Big Daddy was what we called Rick. He had a heart of gold, & always looked out for myself & other ladies that worked on the Diamind Royal casino in the late 90's. Rick was kind & sincere, he'd give you the shirt off of his back. May you rest in peace dear friend.