Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
113 Racetrack Road NE
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Albert Barnard Russell, M.D., 89, surrounded by his family, entered peacefully into the arms of his Lord on August 24, 2019, after a short battle with aggressive Multiple Myeloma.
Barnard was born on February 7, 1930, in Evergreen, Alabama and was raised in Brewton, Alabama by hardworking, Christian parents. At age thirteen, a funeral changed his life as he stood curbside watching a mile-long car processional for the local family doctor. He decided that if one man could make that much difference in a community, he would also serve others by pursuing family medicine. He attended Emory and Tulane University, where he earned his medical degree. He moved to Ft. Walton Beach in 1955 and joined Robert Maxon in the Magnolia Medical Clinic but was immediately drafted by the Navy serving two years in Jacksonville, followed by a two-year residency in Alexandria, Louisiana. He returned to Ft. Walton Beach and Magnolia Medical Clinic in 1960.
For the next fifty years, Dr. Russell delivered over 1,500 babies, performed thousands of surgeries, and became one of the first doctors to achieve Family Medicine Diplomat Board status, which he kept current throughout his career, earning the distinction of being the oldest physician in the United States to pass American Board of Family Medicine re-certification in his seventies. He solicited and convinced Humana to build the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center where he served as President of the Medical Staff. He also served the community as Ft. Walton Beach Hospital Chief of Staff, President Okaloosa County Medical Society, physician for the Choctawhatchee High School football team and President of the American Cancer Society.
Medicine was not the only decision he made in an instant that changed his life. At age 15, Barnard spotted a lovely young woman on Pensacola beach, turned to his buddy and said, "That's the girl I am going to marry!" The friend scoffed, "Marry? You are too chicken to even meet her." Barnard walked over introduced himself and captured the girl of his dreams, JoAnne Walker. They dated through high school, married at age 20 and celebrated their 75-year love story this year.
Barnard personified his favorite word, enthusiasm. Throwing himself into every endeavor, from twilight swims across the bay wearing a glow in the dark swim cap, to painting, writing poetry, landscaping, and singing his favorite 1940's love songs constantly. He would say, "I can't wait to get to heaven so I can sit on a cloud and sing with a 'good' voice."
His greatest life-long passions were scouting, where he obtained Eagle rank and earned every merit badge available, fishing, winning 2nd place in the Destin Blue Marlin tournament, and quail hunting. Since boyhood Barnard loved his many bird dogs and roaming the woods especially with his hunting buddies Gaston Walls and Kelly Roark.
Barnard always found strength in the Lord and prayer. Often his family would find him praying for his patients at the kitchen table and he firmly believed that God, the Great Healer, used him as an instrument to heal. In recent years, as he sat quietly looking out at the bay he loved, when asked what he was thinking would say with tears in his eyes, "I'm just praying." For nearly 60 years, Dr. and Mrs. Russell have been members of First Baptist Church, raising their daughters in the church and Barnard serving as Deacon.
Barnard is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Barnard Russell, Sr and Ruth King Russell. He is survived by his beloved, loving wife of 68 years, JoAnne Walker Russell; and three daughters, Jett Tanner, and her husband Steven, Caryn Whitney, and her husband Jim, and Julee Dardeau; four grandchildren, Chris Tanner, and his wife Laura, Walker Tanner, and his wife Massiel, Jourdan Bennett, and her husband Jeff, and Shane Whitney. Barnard is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Sutton, Thatcher, Harrison, and Natalie Tanner.
The Russell family expresses gratitude for the skilled and compassionate care Barnard received by Dr. Henry Hsiang, the 4th floor nursing staff at FWB Medical Center, and Regency Hospice. We especially thank Pearl King and Joanne Gartman who have been loving caregivers and dear friends to the entire Russell family for many years.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 3, at First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach at 4:00 p.m. Please join the escorted car processional immediately following from the church to a sunset reception to celebrate Dr. Russell's life with his family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the National Alzheimer's Association, or locally to, Hope Matters.
To share memories, express condolences and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.daviswatkins.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Davis-Watkins Funeral Homes & Crematory - Fort Walton Beach.
Dr. Russell delivered our first baby girl in 1968! Thank you for taking such beautiful care of both of us and for the continued service you gave to the community for so many years. With deepest respect and gratitude.
Dave and Sibyl Ray formerly of Fort Walton Beach now living in Tallahassee, Florida.
September 6, 2019
The world has lost a loving and caring member of the healthcare team. I will forever remember your quick wit, your kindness to both patients and staff, your endless energy and your love of bringing fresh mistletoe to every nursing station in the hospital during the Christmas season. It was a blessing to know you these past 38 years. I know you are sitting on that cloud, singing your heart out.
Vicki Souders
September 3, 2019
Dear Julee & family:
We are all so sorry to hear of your father's death but know in our hearts that he is happily singing on a cloud now.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love; Tammie Kelley Becker
Tammie Kelley Becker
September 3, 2019
I worked for Dr. Russell for 12 wonderful years. Loved this man soooo. We always had a wonderful bond and I even called and kept up with him and his family until a couple years ago. Such a special, dear friend. He will be missed but is now at peace and with our Lord. Praying for peace and comfort for his family and friends!
Cyntha Melton
September 1, 2019
One of a kind, Dr Russel was a passionate and compassionate man. He will be missed by many.❤
Gina Fryer
Coworker
September 1, 2019
A great man and respected colleague. A real life Marcus Welby' who blessed every life he touched. A real privilege to have known and worked with him.
Karl Metz MD
September 1, 2019
God's grace,mercy,peace and blessings to all his family and friends.
Lisa Daudelin
August 31, 2019
My condolences to the Russell family Dr Russell was my Dr from 1994 until his retirement he will be sadly missed.
Yvonne Cochran
August 31, 2019
Dr. Russell delivered my son, Aubrey Clark, who celebrated is 53rd birthday two days ago. He was our family doctor and friend. He will be missed.
Shirley Gabbard (Clark)
August 31, 2019
My condolences to the Russell family. Fort Walton Beach can take pride in having a great medical community. Dr. Russell was a part of that early community .
kym Atwood
Acquaintance
August 31, 2019
Dr. Russel was a very special doctor for me and my family.
I first first saw him at age 17 for a minor ailment, and from thene on he became my full time doctor. He delivered both my children and performed a few other surgeries on me. I always felt that he took a personal caring interest in my well being and made me feel comfortable and secure in his care.
He cared for husband, Ray, who passed a year ago.
We eventually had to move to Austin, TX to be near family, due to my husband' declining health.
Dr. Russell was a Great Man!
God certainly has a very special cloud waiting for him!
A former patient, Shirley Chatterton
Shirley Chatterton
August 30, 2019
Dr. Russell was quite a character renowned for his energy, brisk walk, nearly indecipherable hand writing, quick smile and holiday mistletoe. He was one of a kind and will certainly be missed on earth and welcomed in Heaven.
Lisa Courtney
August 30, 2019
My mother Bessie Yates was Dr. Russell's patient for many many years. Accompanying her on office visits, I grew to know Dr. Russell as a fine man, a tireless professional, a kind and knowledgeable guide. Dr. Russell treated the whole body and soul and was, in my opinion, the epitome of the classic family doctor.
Bett Yates Adams
August 30, 2019
Dr Russell was my doctor for many years. He was a great physician and I loved working with him in the hospital and being his patient.
My condolences to his family. We will miss him.
Barbara Mosley
August 30, 2019
He was s vety good dr here in fwb Fla Lillie Miller
Lillie Miller
August 30, 2019
It an honor to have known and have worked with Dr Russell. His zest for life and medicine was truly remarkable, and inspired those around him.
Lon Boutiette, MD
August 30, 2019
I'm so sorry he was just such a wonderful soul. every morning he would come in my office singing a song to me when he gave me his hospital charge sheet
Amy Downey
Coworker
August 29, 2019
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Dr. Russell many years at General Hospital when it first opened which eventually became Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. His energy and enthusiasm walking down the halls was amazing. He was a remarkable man and physician. My love and prayers to his family.
Carolyn Johnson
August 29, 2019
a loved one
August 29, 2019
Thank you Dr Russell
Billy Harrington
August 29, 2019
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Funeral services provided by:
Davis-Watkins Funeral Homes & Crematory - Fort Walton Beach113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more