Herman Russell Warren

Herman Russell Warren (known to everyone as Russell) passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025. Born and raised in Whaleyville, Russell was a proud son of small-town life and carried those roots and the many colorful, mischievous stories that came with them everywhere he went. His childhood was a patchwork of pranks, laughter, and the kind of moments that became legendary family tales. Somehow, those Whaleyville antics never really stopped; he just adapted them to adult life, much to the delight (and occasional embarrassment) of everyone around him.

Russell was a member of the 60's rock band, The Reactors, where he played the tambourine and assisted in vocals. He was also a co-owner of a dance club in Suffolk called The Cave. Stories of their time there are still being spread.

Russell had the unique and enviable gift of lighting up a room whether it was an office, a party, or the line at the DMV. A born salesman, he could sell just about anything, and did so over the years with effortless charm. He began his career in the insurance industry, but transitioned to crafting wooden furniture, then custom cabinetry, but he spent the most time selling countertops. He started many businesses over the years including The Wood Peddler, Solid Surface Technologies, Rock Tops, and Top Docs. He wasn't just good at his job; he made it fun,

memorable, and filled with laughter. All knew they could count on him for a clever joke or a well-timed one-liner.

For the past 56 years, Russell shared his life with the love of his life, Linda Parker Warren, his partner in all things, including the occasional eye roll at his jokes. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, and memories that will carry on for generations.

He was an incredibly proud father to Heather Warren Noell (and her husband Bobby) and Russ Warren (and his wife Holly Onks Warren). His love for his children was matched only by the joy he found in being a Da. He adored his grandkids, Bryce Noell, Arabella Noell, Emily Warren, Hailey Warren, and Russell Clay Warren, and never missed an opportunity to spoil them, tease them, or pass along his signature humor.

He is also survived by sisters-in-law Peggi Parker-Butler, Pat Parker, Phoebe Tomlin, and Shirley Warren; brother-in-law Gary Butler; many nieces, including Janice Morris, Tracey Sackett, Catherine Moss, and Brynn Parker; and nephews Warren Tomlin, Jerry Tomlin, Casey Butler, and Christian Parker, in addition to many cousins, in-laws, and friends.

He is predeceased by his father and mother, Herman Lee Warren and Nellie Russell Warren, brother, William Lorenzo Warren, sister, Jacqueline Warren Tomlin, brother-in-law, Johnnie "Teddy" Tomlin, mother-in-law, Catherine Duke Parker, brother-in-law, Gary Duke Parker, and sister-in-law, Juanita Fanny Parker.

Russell was funny, not just in a "good sense of humor" way, but in a he could make a stranger laugh in under ten seconds kind of way. He brought joy everywhere he went and had a natural ability to make people feel seen, heard, and entertained, sometimes all at once. He didn't just tell stories; he performed them. And whether they were about childhood escapades in Whaleyville or the latest adventure in the grocery store parking lot, you could count on them to be unforgettable.

Russell was also a proud Eagle Scout, and recounted his scouting adventures for as long as he could remember them. He cherished the idea that his grandson was following in his footsteps.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him; his family, his friends, his coworkers, and the countless people whose lives he touched, even if only for a moment. His was a life lived fully and with a heart always open to joy. The family would like to thank all the friends and family who assisted us during Russell's last months, especially Carolyn Carter.

A celebration of Russell's life will be held at First Baptist Church, where he was a member for 57 years, in Suffolk on Monday, August 25th. The family will greet visitors at the church at 1:00pm, followed by a service at 2:00pm. Graveside services will occur afterwards at Holly Lawn Cemetery. In true Russell fashion, all are welcome to celebrate his life. Memorial donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Association or First Baptist Church.

Russell Warren may have sold countertops, but he built a legacy of love, humor, family, and a life that truly sparkled. Rest easy, Russell. Heaven's a little brighter and probably a lot funnier now that you're there