Russell French

FRENCH, Jr., Russell Reid

Russell Reid French, Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, a devoted and dependable father and a loyal son, brother, and friend, passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 53, surrounded by people who loved him.

Reid was born on August 17, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia to Russell Reid French, Sr. and Victoria Holmes French. He attended The Lovett School for 14 years, graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude, and valedictorian from Davidson College, and was a Baker Scholar at Harvard Business School.

Reid met the love of his life, Sarah Patterson French, at Davidson College in 1992. They shared a wonderful life together for over 27 years before Sarah's untimely passing in 2022.

Reid had a quick wit, was prepared for any situation, and was always ready with sage advice. He had a remarkable intellect and lifelong curiosity, delving deeply into subjects to gain a true understanding. His first loves were his wife, Sarah and their children, Colin and Virgini. Together, he and Sarah instilled in the children their shared passion for travel, music, and theatre. Reid was awarded the prestigious Watson Fellowship after graduating from Davidson and spent a year in London and Amsterdam, studying the economics of theatre production. His interest in travel continued throughout his life, and he and Sarah particularly enjoyed returning to London over the years. He directed and performed in musical theatre, both at Lovett and Davidson, and was an aficionado when it came to Broadway and West End musical theatre.

After the year in London, Reid worked in Corporate Finance at The Robinson Humprey Company in Atlanta, beginning what would be a truly exceptional career that reflected his abiding interest in economics, markets, and corporate leadership. After three years with Robinson Humphrey, Reid and Sarah moved to Boston where Reid continued his education at Harvard Business School. Following Harvard, he worked in Strategic Planning for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando, helping to develop the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom theme park. Returning to Atlanta in 2000, he began working as Chief Operating Officer of Novient Inc., before becoming Chief Operating Officer of Intergraph Corporation and then Chief Executive Officer of Applied Systems. Reflecting his true character, Reid formed deep and lasting friendships throughout his career.

Reid was on the board of The Lovett School for nine years and served as Chairman of the Board from 2015-2020, overseeing the search for a new Head of School and facilitating the leadership transition. After Sarah's passing, Reid devoted extensive time, energy, and passion to research and fundraising efforts to cure leukemia. At the time of his death, he was on the board of multiple public companies as well as his alma mater, Davidson College.

Above all, Reid was most proud of his children, Colin and Virginia. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sarah Patterson French. He is survived by his children, Colin McRee French and Virginia Holmes French; his parents, Rusty and Vicki French; his sister, Tracy French McMillan; seven nieces and nephews; and devoted friends.

A memorial service in honor of Reid will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 11, at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. A reception at the church will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Reid's memory to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Office of Gift Records, Emory University, 1762 Clifton Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322; The Davidson Trust at Davidson College, 209 Ridge Rd., Box 5000, Davidson, NC 28035; or The Head of School Fund at The Lovett School, 4075 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327.