Russell H. Oathout
August 9, 1941 - May 24, 2021
St. Petersburg, FL
Russell H. Oathout, 79 years old, of St. Petersburg, Florida, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on May 24, 2021. Born in Troy, NY on August 9, 1941 to Walter and Helen Oathout, he graduated from Shaker High School in 1959. He was voted the Most Friendly member of his senior class and that quality, along with his sense of humor, defined his life. He shared his big heart with everyone he met. Russ served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1961, went to Sonar School in Key West and then served on the USS Thomas J. Gary out of Newport, R.I. He attended Hudson Valley Community College and worked at State Bank of Albany, where he met his wife Kathleen. They were married in April, 1969 and became Amway Gold Direct Distributors before moving to St. Petersburg in 1976.
Russ won many sales awards for managing area GNC stores; then worked with the St. Petersburg AAA Motor Club for a total of 21 years as a membership representative and renewal specialist. He was an active member of Faith Covenant Church, assisting in many areas including treasurer for Pryme Tymer's (seniors). In his retirement years, he became an artist, painting landscapes for his Thanksgiving and Christmas cards and gifting paintings to friends. He was also a self-taught and gifted organist. Russ showed much strength and courage as he endured ten months of treatment for cancer of the tongue until the Lord called him home on May 24th. He enjoyed 52 years of marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen Smith Oathout, who he actively supported through her years of community service.
He is also survived by cousins: Doug and Mildred Canfield, East Greenbush, NY; Beverly Allen, Diane Murphy, Latham, NY; Lisa and Robert Upton, Ballston Spa, NY; Garry Tribley, Saratoga, NY. Nephews and nieces: Jim (Mary) Millspaugh, Port Jervis, NY, Yvonne (Ted) Brace, Montague, NJ; Donna Howell, Ann Marie (Rocky) Giovanniello, Michael Masanotti, and Kathy (Chuck) McKee, all of Port Jervis, NY and sister-in-law Ruth Smith, Matamoras, PA.
During his illness, Russ and Kathy appreciated so much the prayers and encouragement of their family, friends, neighbors and their Faith Family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be welcomed for the Faith Covenant Church Benevolence Fund. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, June 12 at 10 a.m., Faith Covenant Church, 150 62nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Final resting place will be in a family plot, Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands, NY.
I will love you until heaven – and then forever, Kath
Memorial available at Brettfuneralhome.net

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Published by Times Herald-Record from May 28 to Jun. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Oathout

Sponsored by Brett Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

3 Entries

Dee & Mike Coates

June 1, 2021

Kathy,
I just learned about Russ’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful person and certainly your biggest supporter and champion! I used to tease him that I needed him to mentor my hubby!!
Although we’ve not seen y’all in many years, we send our love and sympathy to you now. Much love, Dee & Mike

Simone Taylor

May 30, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but your special memories can help you & your family cope. Remembering your loved one today and always. Please except my deepest sympathies.

Elizabeth Korosec

May 30, 2021

Dear Kathy, You won't remember me, but I was a start-to-finish volunteer at FIM and remember your time with us there, as well as discovering (when I was singing with the SPC Chorus) that you were also a member of the Palladium staff. I wish to offer my condolences to you and your family. I always thought you, in addition to being a good administrator, a very nice person, and I can see from Mr. Oathout's obit that he was, too. Fifty-two years of marriage is a long time (mine was almost 55) and can certainly have its ups and downs, but I suspect that yours was mostly ups and, hopefully, in fond memories you will find some consolation.

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