John B. Russell, Jr.

Thank You John for your coaching and encouragement. You enriched the lives of many.Really miss you my friend.

Ted

I did not know John personally but his daily reporting on the surf conditions inspired me to learn how to surf. I have moved away from Pensacola and now live in Jacksonville, Fl. My prayers are with John's family.

Johnny was my friend and bass player in the Pensacola Contours in which I was the lead singer. We had a really good band and some great times. Rest in Peace my friend.

Johnny Russell was a much valued friend in our grade school and high school days.

I remember a guitar sitting on his bed upstairs - maybe his first.

Johnny lacked no enthusiasm for cruising around town with our little circle of high school buddies -
all piled up in Ritchie Daniels 1959 Ford Hardtop Convertible.

God Speed to the Good Life that has welcomed you HOME!

He took nothing and gave much!

Deek Alexander

Some personal fun-facts about Johnny... He thought it would be fun to scare a friend of ours (J. Mann) who was on the end of the dock by shooting roman candles at him. We burned down the reeds and the whole swamp at the end of Calhoun Ave. (Remember it was John's idea!) He could slalom ski backwards from a deep water dead start. Another thing this boy did backwards... riding a bike. He sat on the handlebars and rode all over Beach Haven and Navy Point. HE MADE us play guitar and drums as...

Rest in peace, JBR.
We two had more than a few things in common, and no doubt I will join you in Heaven shortly.

Jeff

Godspeed John. You were one of a kind sir, and will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know you. SurfSmooth forever brother.