menu

Subscribe to Obituary List

Celebrating the life of

John Elliott Russell

December 07, 1944 - May 10, 2025

John Elliott Russell

John Elliott Russell, 80, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025 with his family by his side. 

A lifelong resident of Savannah, John was born on December 7, 1944 to the late Leroy Elliott Russell and Brunelle Clifton Russell. He attended Henry Street School and Whitney Elementary School and graduated from Savannah High School in 1963.  After graduation he completed basic training in the United States Marine Corps and enrolled in the United States Coast Guard Reserves.  He began his career with Ford Motor Credit Company as a collections representative in 1968 and advanced to Assistant Branch Manager.  He was a reliable financing expert and established positive relationships with many automobile dealers in Savannah and the southeast Georgia area.  Upon retirement in 1998, he worked part-time for Colonial Couriers of Savannah.   

A lifelong and loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Bulldogs, we will always smile when we think of his love of riding around downtown Savannah reminiscing about his old stomping grounds, his McDonald's senior coke and sausage biscuit, and spending time with family.  He will always be remembered as a very kind and caring man who was always a pleasure to be around.    

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his son, John Barry Russell, his former wife and lifelong friend, Sharon Forbes Russell, his brother, Perry Eugene Russell and his son-in-law L. Alan Bills.  

He is survived by his daughter Michelle Russell Bills Wilcox(Wade) of Atlanta; daughter in law, Dawn Crowe Russell; siblings Tom Russell(Jan) and Danny Russell(Linda) of Gillsville, Ga; grandchildren Brandon Bills, Chandler Bills(Lennox) both of Atlanta, Isabelle Russell and Madeline Russell of Atlanta; great granddaughter Declan Stella Bills of Atlanta; his longtime partner and caregiver Sandy Powers and her daughter Blake Powers Stevens; and several nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Sunday,  May 18, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. with service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Visitation and service will be at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406. Burial will follow in Greenwich Cemetery, 330 Greenwich Road, Savannah, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John's memory to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

 Online Donations - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

 

 


 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

Image
GUEST BOOK

We are sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and yours.

- Keith and Paula Koenig, Alpharetta, Georgia

A candle has been lit!

Rest in Peace Mr. Russell

- Stephen Herb, Savannah, GA.

A candle has been lit!

Praying for God's peace and presence during the most difficult time.

- Phil and Deanne Volkert, Brooklet, GA

John was more than a brother in law, he was my brother. He taught me how to play baseball, he taught me how to play football, he taught me my love for all sports. John had a kind soul and I will truly miss him. John was a good man and he loved his family deeply. He never gave up on people when they were down and out. In my worst days he was always the voice of encouragement. He was my brother and I will miss him deeply. R I P my brother..Larry Forbes. I have only known John for a short time. I know he was a very kind and loving man and I know how much he was loved and will truly be missed. And I too will miss him. Rest In Peace, John - Sherri

- Larry & Sherri Forbes, Savannah , Ga

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.

- David Wilcox, Palm Beach Gardens , Florida

Michelle Bills Wilcox

- Greg and Laura Glass, Sandy Springs , GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200