Lawrence Early Russell

Larry Russell, age 69, passed away in Severna Park, Maryland on November 29, 2022. He is preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Mary Beth Russell, with whom he shared three children and eight grandchildren; son and daughter-in-law, Chad Russell and Ann Elling, and their son Faraday; son and daughter-in-law, Brett and Nancy Russell, and their children Graeme, Brogan, and Keagan; and daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Mark Magnotta, and their children Lucy, Belle, Oliver, and Miles. He is also survived by two supportive brother-in-laws and their spouses, Buddy (Kathy) and Larry (Eve), beloved nephews and nieces, and close colleagues. Larry successfully lived out his favorite song lyric “I became a friend a friend would like to have” from “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw, shown through a pattern of deep lifelong friendships. Larry was born on February 16, 1953 to Lawrence and Dorothy Russell in Richmond, Virginia. He played basketball and ran track at Henrico High School, then played basketball and earned a degree in Business Administration at Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC, before starting a long career in the office furniture industry. He held several different roles throughout the years, with most time being spent in sales with Price Modern throughout Virginia and Maryland. He was well-respected, loyal, and filled his beloved Daytimer with colleagues and customers that felt like family. He was athletic and spent his life either playing, coaching, or watching track, basketball, softball, golf, and tennis. Larry could talk about any team from any sport with anybody, although he was happiest talking about his UNC Tarheels. Larry’s ability to describe the yardage and club used on every hole of golf he ever played was unmatched. He loved to take one-day ‘minute vacations’ with Mary Beth to coastal towns along the east coast, particularly those with lighthouses. For years, he could be found walking the beach in Sandbridge every Saturday morning, wrapped up in a conversation with God and a black coffee. Larry was a man of faith, starting as a member of the Russell Bible Class at Highland Park Methodist Church in Richmond, Va, a class named in his family’s honor. He later served as a Sunday School teacher at Northminster Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, and was an active church member at St. John’s Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Larry’s love of music was deep, including a passion for concerts throughout the 70s and 80s and singing in church choirs. His extensive album collection was a testament to his range of interests, and he loved sharing the stories of every band, every song, and every album cover. He loved Christmas, especially the movies and music, and gave generously of his time and efforts every year to provide for families in need. Larry will be remembered for his appreciation for the simple things, his endless support for his kids and grandkids, his soft spot for Disney, his love of movies, and his desire to laugh. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined in the future. Please email RussellLifeCelebration@gmail.com if you would like to be informed about the details of the celebration. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/.

Lawrence Early Russell

February 16, 1953 - November 29, 2022