Michael Houston Russell, 55, of Belton, SC passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2014 of sudden cardiac arrest at AnMed Health Medical Center, Anderson, SC.
Born February 10, 1959, in Tampa, Florida, he was the son of Aaron and Lama Russell. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee and graduated from Germantown High school in 1977 and enlisted in the United States Navy the in 1978. Michael served in the United States Navy until 1980. While in the Navy, Michael worked as an Air Traffic Controller, obtaining his Sea Service Deployment ribbon serving aboard the USS Tripoli and achieving the rank of E3.
On November 16, 1979, he married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Catherine Russell, enjoying 37 wonderful years together.
They lived in many different places — including San Diego, California; Memphis, Tennessee; and Columbia, South Carolina — before settling in Anderson, South Carolina. It was in Memphis where he demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit in owning his own landscape business and then beginning a career in sales, working 19 years at Hardin Sysco and ending his last two years with Alpha Baking.
Michael was a member of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Club, Anderson Chapter. As an avid rider, he lived on the road, embracing the life and the freedom of the open road.
Michael will be remembered for the lives he touched, his God-fearing spirit, and his ability to never meet a stranger. He will especially be remembered for his greatest legacy, his family. As a driving force in his life, Michael grew a family founded in love, bonded in faith, and with a reach of open arms that embraced everyone.
He lives on through his family; his parents: Aaron and Lama Russell; his brother Andy Russell; his wife Cathy Russell; his daughter; Christi Halpin and her husband Tripp; and Michael’s three sons: Michael Russell, Jeremiah Russell and his wife Amanda, and Nathan Russell. He also lives on in the smiles and laughter of his 8 grandchildren: Jake, Jade, Landon, Bri, Logan, Boston, Brady, and Easton. Last but by no means least, he is survived through his many friends that Michael considered loved and cherished.
Services will be held at Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory, Downtown Chapel, at 1pm on Saturday, September 13, 2014. The family will receive friends prior to the service Downtown on Saturday from 11am to 1pm.
Military Honors will follow at MJ Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.
All motorcycle riders, friends, and family are welcome and encouraged to attend and dress casual for Michael’s celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation athttp://www.arthritis.org click on the donate link or the American Heart Association at https://donate.heart.org.
The Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory, Downtown Chapel, 401 North Main Street, Anderson, SC, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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