Thomas Michael Russell

Thomas Russell, 85, passed away peacefully, Friday, February 15, 2013 at his home in Virginia Beach, VA. Tom was born Nov. 14, 1927 to John J. and Emma Josephine Russell of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bud Russell.

Tom had a full and interesting life. Tom served honorably in the US Navy 1945, the US Air Force, 1946 – 1949 and the US Marine Corps, 1951 – 1952. He was a tall man standing 6’7” who had a brief contract with the National Basketball Association with the Syracuse Professional Basketball Club 1950-1951. Tom founded the Better Business Bureau in West Palm Beach, FL in 1968. He married his loving, caring and surviving wife, Nancy, in 1966. He was an honorable and generous father to his two step children, Dr. William M. Hurst, MD (Jean Dumlao) and Karen Watkins Nelson (Billy) and his two god children, Jay and Daniel Snell of Virginia Beach, VA. He has six grandchildren, Nicholas Watkins, Jacob Hurst, Michael Hurst, Virginia Nelson, Christina Hurst and Mark Hurst, who loved him.

Tom enjoyed working on projects around the house and was always available to help and guide his step children and god children. Tom and Nancy built a home full of love and support for not only their children but also many pets they saved, raised and cared for.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

The family would like to thank Sentara Hospice Services, Daniel and Jay Snell, Tracy Burton and Jackie Pavey who gave tremendous support to Tom and Nancy during these past months.

Friends may offer condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.