Herbert Russell, 73, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 17, 2026. He was surrounded by his family at home in Lexington, South Carolina.
Bert was born on May 9, 1952, in Illinois. As a missionary kid, he spent much of his childhood in Peru, South America, where he became fluent in Spanish and developed a deep love for the people and culture. He often shared stories of his youth, including hunting caiman. He was one of five children, with three sisters- Kathy Abernathy, Becky Russell, and Carolyn Burns- and a younger brother, David Russell.
In his late teens, Bert returned to the States and graduated from Ben Lippen High School in Asheville, North Carolina. He went on to attend the Philadelphia College of Bible, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Theology. Bert also enjoyed playing college soccer and basketball and spent many years attempting- enthusiastically- to master the game of golf.
In 1984, Bert met Lynn while attending church in St. Petersburg, Florida. They were married in September 1985 and went on to raise four daughters: Cassandra Russell, Victoria Russell, Brooke Kuchenbrod, and Hannah Rose.
In 1998, the family moved to South Carolina, where Bert accepted a position as a chaplain at a privately owned prison hospital. He devoted much of his life to ministering to the people of Lexington, South Carolina, through a crisis ministry he established. This ministry operated a clothes closet, food pantry, and emergency assistance fund to help individuals and families in their most difficult times. Bert also led a Spanish outreach ministry in the Victorian Lakes community. He was widely known for his generosity and compassion and was often said to be someone who would literally give the shirt off his back.
After many years in ministry, Bert retired and spent his days at home surrounded by the love of his family. Even in retirement, and while battling Parkinson's disease, he continued to welcome people into his home for prayer and counsel.
Bert was preceded in death by his father, David; his mother, Elizabeth; and his sister, Becky.
A private memorial service will be held for family in February.
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