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Johnny Russell Obituary

Johnny Mitchell (Mickey) Russell, 60, of Yorktown, formerly Richmond passed away Saturday, July 11, 2009. Funeral service 2 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2009 in the Bower Funeral Home Chapel, Pulaski.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Jul. 13 to Jul. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Russell

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Barbara Talan

August 5, 2009

Nancy,
I heard today of Mickey's passing and I know how sad you must be. Mickey was such a great guy and he will be missed by so many.
I like to think that there are a lot of greens in Heaven and that Mickey is making many new friends, and helping them enjoy the game.
I am sorry that he had to suffer through health problems, but happy that he had you at his side.
All my love to you.
Barbara

Alice Franklin

August 5, 2009

Nancy,

I just heard today about Mickey and was saddened. My thoughts are with you -- sending all my hugs.

Alice

Pat West

August 1, 2009

Nancy,
I just heard about Mickey's passing..and I am so very sad for you. You guys have been so wonderful to me and my family and we will miss him very much. I've not been in this season because of back surgery, but was planning on coming in soon just to give you a hug.
Love and prayers
Pat West

Kathy Czerwonka

July 29, 2009

Nancy,

I'm deeping saddened to hear of Mickey's passing. Like Elmore Just gone in his prime, I can only dream of the beautiful golf courses and the precision fitted golf equipment in heaven with these two amazing golfers there.
Mickey was one of the most professional
certified clubmaker in the country, he put the "Professional" in the Professional Clubmakers' Society (PCS).
My thoughts and prayers go with you and your family at this time.

Rob Shaffer

July 27, 2009

Nancy,
I heard about Mickey's passing on the golf course yesterday, the 26th. You both have been in my thoughts for the past several weeks and I am deeply saddened by your loss. Mickey was a very kind, big-hearted person who touched a lot of lives - you both have. It is difficult for me to think about Mickey without thinking about the story of how one man changed the world. Mickey brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. Sandra and I think the world of both of you and wish that you would accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.

Sincerely, Rob Shaffer

Dave Rodgers

July 23, 2009

Nancy,I feel awfull,I just heard of Mickey's passing today,July 23rd.I know the last time I saw him he wasn't feeling his best,but I had no idea how ill he really was.The love of 'all things GOLF'brought your Mickey,myself,and countless others together and bound us together so tight that nothing could break it.I used to tell Mick that he had it ALL!!A great job doing what he loved and a beautifull wife to work with and be with at the end of the day.Please accept my deepest sympathy and my appology for being so late with it.I thought the world of Mickey and I will miss him greatly.Nancy,I don't know if anyone has said this to you during this sad time,but my belief is that you will see Mickey again in what ever there is after this life.Please believe as I do,that your husband is in a BETTER PLACE now,and his suffering is over.

Sincerely, Dave Rodgers

Stephen Ness

July 23, 2009

Nancy,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mickey was a great guy, and I loved coming into the shop and talking with you both for hours. He was a great teacher, and a great person. You are in my prayers. God should be happy that Mickey is up there. Now, Mickey can make a custom set of clubs for him. :D

Mark Gerth

July 23, 2009

Nancy,
Just heard from Pastor Donald Stuppy about Mickey's passing. I hope you can gain comfort thru faith that Mickey is with his Father in Heaven. Mickey was truly a person of integrity, kindness, willingness to help others, and a man of faith. I always knew I could just stop in at Pro Am Golf and be greeted like family. I will surely miss his words of wisdom on golf and life itself. May God continue to bless your entire family in the days and years ahead. Hope to see you soon! Most Sincerely,

July 22, 2009

Nancy,
I learned of Mickey's passing today during a golf outing while comparing KZG clubs. How appropriate! I was surprised and so sad for you. Mickey and you helped helped me to find the right clubs and use them better.
His professionalism and kindness are unsurpassed.
With deepest sympathies,
Ray Spunzo

Peter Kalil

July 21, 2009

Nancy, Im so sorry to hear about Mickey. I enjoyed coming to the shop and talking with him. He had a wealth of knowledge that will certainly be missed. My thoughts go out to you and I hope the memories you made together carry you at times when you need it the most.

Alton Berger

July 20, 2009

Nancy
I just heard. I'm so sorry to hear about Mickey and for the grief you and his family must be going through right now. Mickey was a great guy and wonderful instructor. The best part is he is now in the Father's arms rejoicing in the victory. Please stay strong and know that you have many friends out there standing up for you.

Purnell Kagler

July 20, 2009

Nancy,
May God continue to bless you in your time of loss. Mickey was a friend to us all and he will be sorely missed. I for one will always remember the prayers we had back the shed where the Spirit of the Lord would fall and he would began to speak in other tongues. What was suppose to a thirty minute swing analysis turned into an hour and half of talking about and praising the Lord. Be encouraged and God bless, Purnell.

Katharyn Deihl

July 18, 2009

I have never met two strangers that I laughed and had so much fun as that first day in your shop. My heart is broken for you as I lost my husband in a matter of hours in Feb. No one can even tell you about this journey you are starting and I will pray for you every night. Anyone could learn to like golf after a session with the "master." If I could ever be a shoulder or extra ear call me. I am from Reedville Va. and do hope you can remember me.

DeWayne Jeter

July 18, 2009

Nancy,
I am truly saddened by the passing of Mickey. His friendship and knowledge of the golf swing will truly be missed. I truly enjoyed my visits in the shop when I could chat with him about all things related to golf. To everyone I sent his way, he was a blessing. Each one returned with a big smile and appreciation for Mickey's help and clubmaking skills. I have lost a friend.

Larry Gray

July 17, 2009

Nan,

I am sorry to hear of Mickey passing, Im solely going to miss him. Mickey was more than just a true friend he was someone you could just talk to and really enjoy the moment. My deepest sympathy.

Sandi Ray

July 17, 2009

Nancy, I learned of Mickey's passing today while I was "appropriately" on the golf course. I know he will be missed by me and all who knew him. My prayers are with you and the family.

Mike and Belinda Ramsey

July 17, 2009

Nancy, Belinda and I were deeply saddened to hear of Mickey's passing. We can't tell you how much your and Mickey's support and friendship has meant to us over the years. If there is anything we can do to help you through this trying time, please let us know. You and Mickey are in our prayers.

Mike Hicks

July 17, 2009

I learned this morning of Mickey's passing while I was on vacation. There will be a void in alot of people's life, but we are all better for been given a chance to know both he and you. His friendliness and openess was very genuine. I don't think Mickey ever met a stranger. He touched alot of people. My prayers are with you.

Bill & Kay Payne

July 16, 2009

Nancy, we know that Mickey hasn't really been healthy nor felt good for a long time, and we know he's perfectly healthy and happy now; nevertheless, we've all lost a very special man. For a business operation, your place felt more like home than any other place I know: The Mick to talk golf swings and golf stories, and you to keep the wheels on the wagon and insure that every customer got exactly what he wanted--a national treasure. Mickey was a wonderful man, and will be missed by countless grateful people all over the world. God Bless you and your family.

Paul Lindsay

July 16, 2009

Nancy,
I am very sadden to hear of Mickey's passing. I have never been in your shop where I felt like a customer always like a freind and all the club adjustments he made for me over the years have added to my enjoyment of a sport that I know he loved. He will be missed dearly.

Bert Carrington

July 16, 2009

Nasncy - all the best to you and family. Mickey will be missed by all that ever met him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ron Chavis

July 16, 2009

Nancy,
Mickey was the BEST! He will be remembered throughout the years. May God Bless You and Your Family.

Mary Jane and Dan Haynes

July 16, 2009

Dear Nancy, Dan and I were very saddened to hear about Mickey's passing. He was such a special person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Rudy Duncan

July 16, 2009

Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear about Mickey. I just talked to you a week ago and although you said He was in the hospital, I never realized He was so ill. We will miss him greatly, he is such a GREAT man. Our Blessings and Prayers are with you.
Rudy and the Myrtle Beach Group

Joe DeCoursey

July 15, 2009

Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember all the help and advice Mick has given me over the years. He will be missed by many. May God hold you in his arms tonight and always to comfort you.
Joe DeCoursey

Jim Gallagher

July 15, 2009

Mickey shared himself through his spirit, music, and craftsmanship. He was lucky to find the same spirit in a partner like Nancy. To them we aren't customers, but friends who share a love of a great sport and those who play it. Mickey never judged your game but only fed your dedication to improving. Every clubmaking or repair session included a few grains of his wisdom; and his desire to truly help everyone he met shone through all he did. I've always left the shop richer than when I entered; and never felt I could repay the kindness shared with me.

I'm certain that God smiled on Mickey Russell and will continue to smile upon those he loved.

hank hughes

July 15, 2009

Dear Nancy and Family.....I was very saddened to hear of your loss of this gentle and loving man.I enjoyed all of his work on my clubs,shafts,and grips over the years.Most of all I enjoyed Mickey as a true gentleman and a true credit to golf in so many ways.I will greatly miss him on many levels.My best wishes to you going forward in all you do. Most Sincerely Hank Hughes

George Gillis

July 15, 2009

July 15, 2009
Dear Nan, We are very sorry about the passing of Mickey. He was much respected in the golfing community, many of whom considered Mickey their friend. Renate has a special memory when you and Mickey prayed over her Mom in the hospital. Mickey will be missed by all. George and Renate

Billy Overman

July 15, 2009

Nancy,
I am sorry for your loss. Mickey was a true gentleman and will be missed by all that he touched over the years. His sense of humor and attention to details are what I admired most of him. He will now be chatting it up with some of the greatest golf angels that we had the priviledge of watching play the sport.

July 14, 2009

Dear Nancy;
I hope you know how very much your boy will be missed throughout all of the area for a lot more than his golf knowledge; he was a gentle, benevolent soul that only wanted those he touched to be happy. I considered myself to be a student of his, and I have been honored to have known him for these past 10 years. I know that you will persevere; that you will keep him in your heart, and keep the torch hot.

my best to you,

Hugh Hamilton

July 14, 2009

Our prayers are with you and Mickey . I will never forget the help he did not only my golf game but more inportant my sons Elliott's game . He was a great guy and we will miss him very much. God pless you and the famiy. He will be missed
take care and God bless you
John Pruitt

quirino arzadon

July 14, 2009

Dear Nancy, So sorry for your loss. He will be remembered always as you are in my thoughts.
AZ Arzadon

July 14, 2009

Nancy, dear. Our whole family joins you in the mourning of Mickey. We are a three generation family of avid golfers, all of us playing and enjoying the clubs Mickey made for us. His guidance, light-hearted and sound swing tips, and Mickey's "Swing Heaven in the Back" will be treasured memories for ever. Thank you for being such a supportive helpmate.
Much love,
Louisa and Ross, Tripp, Bruce, Parker, and Adam

Gary Bayless

July 14, 2009

Nancy and the Russell Family,
We are so sorry to here of Mickey's passing. We know he has struggled for along time.Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and the Russell family. We will miss Mickey very much. He has helped us so many times.
Sincerely,
Gary and Jackie Bayless

July 14, 2009

Nancy I was shocked to hear the news of Mickey's passing. He was a great guy and I have enjoyed both sets of clubs he made for me. My heart goes out to you. I know you and Mickey have gone through so much and the community has lost a wonderful guy. Mo Mowry, (Newport News, VA)

Josh Ham

July 14, 2009

July 14, 2009

Nancy,

Our prayers are with you as we celebrate Mickey's life. You and Mickey were a special couple. I have a great deal of respect for Mickey both as a golfer and a gentleman. I will always cherish the clubs he made, especially the ones for my grandson, Zach, and the time he spent encouraging both of us.
God be with you,
Josh & Ginny Ham & grandson, Zach

Pete Hoyer

July 14, 2009

Mickey and Nancy have been supportive of the military community in the Hampton Roads area for many years. The military has lost a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the family.
God Bless,

Doug Nelms

July 14, 2009

Nancy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mickey was a very special person with remarkable talent.
I'll never forget how patient and gentle he was as he taught my son, who has learning disabilities, a simple golf swing.
We will miss him.
God Bless you and your family.

Mike Ernzen

July 14, 2009

Nancy,

I was shocked to hear the sad news. I know Mickey has had a rough go for some time but it is still never easy to accept. My thoughts and prayers go out to you for all you and Mickey have been through. The community has lost a great American. The two of you have touched so many lives in so many ways. He will never be forgotten around here.

Karen Seitz

July 14, 2009

Our thoughts prayers are with you at this time.

Elite Cheer Sensation Family

July 14, 2009

We are very saddened to learn of the passing of Micky. We both had him create golf clubs for us, and we enjoyed the clubs, and the interaction with him during the process.
He was a very fine man.
Wayne and Ann Moore

Jerry Goens

July 14, 2009

I am sorry to hear of Mickys passing,what a great guy, he and Nancy are just the best. he will be missed by me and a lot of others. Jerry Goens

Bobby Boyd

July 14, 2009

To the entire Russell Family,
It was a pleasure knowing Mickey, and he definately improved my golf game with his custom fitting and advice. He will be missed by everyone in the golfing community.
Sincerely
Bobby C. Boyd

Pat & Pam Gillis

July 14, 2009

Nan,

We just found out this morning about Mickey. I am heatbroken that I could not say good-bye but I know in my heart and by the fruits of his life that Mickey is with our Lord right now and that the Holy Spirit is visiting upon you as the Comforter. Pam and I love you and are praying for you. We will celebrate Mickey's life as a great friend in the Lord and now as a resident of Heaven. We hope to see you soon. Love Pat and Pam Gillis

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