Ruel Russell Jr.

Ruel Russell, Jr.’s remarkable earthly life ended on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. He was predeceased by his father, Ruel Russell, mother, Kate Myrtle Stringer Russell, and sisters, Katie Russell Jones and Faye Russell Britton.

He was born on March 14, 1924. He was raised in Alabama. Following his graduation from Ensley High School, Ruel began his lifelong love for and commitment to Auburn University.

When His undergraduate education was sidetracked by World War II, Ruel served our country with distinction for 3 years in the U.S. Army. Most of his career involved heavy combat before being honorably discharged with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

Following his education at Auburn University, Ruel and Margaret Sims were married and became the loving parents of daughter, LeeAnn and son, Ruel Russell, III. His undying and lifelong deepest devotion to Auburn University are verified by the following examples: President of his Greek fraternity Delta Sigma Phi. He earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering in 1948. He was the recipient of honorary doctorate degrees, from both Auburn University and Georgia Tech. After which, he was always referred to as “Dr. Russell”,

Ruel was a former member of Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Council, a former member of the Athletic All American Society, The Tiger Unlimited Foundation, The Football Letterman Club, the Foy Society and the Petrie Society. He also was the Past President of the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Following his adolescence and teenage years as a member of Ensley Baptist Church, Ruel became a member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church in December of 1957, soon to be member of that congregation for 59 years of dedicated service as a Deacon, Life Deacon, Trustee, and a founder of several men’s Bible study classes. He and Margaret faithfully served the congregation in myriad ways.

In addition to his decades of extraordinary leadership as Executive Assistant to the Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Steel, Ruel will likewise be remembered for his support of and decades of service to the Lloyd Nolan Hospital Board of Trustees. He also, owned and operated Atlas Metals, M.O.E. Advanced Floor Systems, R and R Metals and several other prosperous companies

The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 24th in the sanctuary of Mountain Brook Baptist Church with the visitation to follow in Hudson Hall.

Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (879-3401) Homewood, Al.