Russell Gent Smith, II II

Russell G. Smith II

January 27, 1945 – August 3, 2025

Russell G. Smith II passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following a long illness. He was 80.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, Russ shared a remarkable 54-year marriage with the love of his life, Stephanie Gail Heller. Together, they raised three children: Shana Smith Peters, Myca Smith (Robert) Stahl, and the late Rusty Smith. Russ was a proud and adoring grandfather to Russell Blake Peters, Ian Tyler Peters, Isabella "Izzy" Mae Stahl, and Robert "RJ" Gilbert Stahl.

Born on January 27, 1945 in San Antonio, Texas, son of Dr. Russell and Ethel Smith. He was raised in St. Louis, MO and graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory School. Russ was a proud alumnus of the University of Missouri, where he earned a B.J. in advertising and marketing, followed by a M.A. in science reporting and public relations where he was a P. Sloan Foundation Fellow. His professional journey began at Burson-Marsteller Public Relations in Chicago in 1969. Russ joined the family business in 1972 where he soon became president of the Missouri Division of May's Drug Stores. He started RSM Communications and later was the managing partner of Myrush Futures, LP.

A visionary businessman, Russ played a pivotal role in expanding the family-owned May's Drug Stores from 4 to 39 locations before selling what had become the nation's 25th largest drug store chain in 2004. He was a member of the Wine & Spirits Guild of America, the only drug store to be involved in the organization. He was a member of Southern Drug Stores and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS).

Beyond his business accomplishments, Russ was a passionate supporter of education and community. He joined the Ozarks Chapter of YPO in 1989 where he served as the North American Forum Chair. He served as Board chairman of Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) in the 1990s and, with Gail, established several meaningful initiatives in honor of their late son, Rusty-including the Pro Musica Concert Series, and environmental projects through the Audubon Wildcat Glades and the "Rusty Smith Teaching Prize in Computer Science" at Hamilton College. They also supported the MSSU Science and Environmental Writing Awards.

Russ generously gave his time and leadership to numerous organizations. He served as president of the United Hebrew Congregation, the Joplin Community Concert Association, and the Joplin Boys & Girls Club. He held leadership roles with Commerce Bank, Mercy Hospital, and Mt. Hope Cemetery and was actively involved with Rotary International and the Boy Scouts of America. He helped direct the Winefeast for Ozark Public Television which was the largest fundraiser in Southwest Missouri. In 1994 he received the outstanding volunteer award.

In 2008, Russ and Gail established the Smith/Patterson/Pulitzer Science Journalism Graduate Fellowship and Lecture Series in Crisis Reporting. He was a proud member of the University of Missouri Jefferson Club, where he served as chairman through 2023.

In his later years, Russ found community in Naples, Florida, where he chaired the 49ers Chapter, was a member WPO/YPO Gold, served on the board of L3, was a member of CEO, Temple Shalom and Royal Poinciana Country Club. He served on the Greater Naples Jewish Federation Finance & Audit Committee and most recently served as Bailli of the Naples Chaine des Rôtisseurs where he found much joy planning and executing food and wine events.

Russ loved to travel with his family, hike and ski the mountains of Telluride, CO, visit and taste wine from the world's best wineries and played tennis with his Pelican Bay Association friends and golf and tennis with all his Royal Poinciana buddies. He especially cherished watching his grandchildren play basketball, soccer, and perform dance.

Russ leaves behind a legacy of integrity, generosity, and devotion to his family and community. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made out to Temple Shalom at 4630 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34116.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at United Hebrew Congregation with Rabbi Adam Miller officiating. Interment to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the special care and direction of Parker Mortuary.