Russell Joseph Harris was born on July 30, 1942 in the middle of World War Two. He was born to Russell Harris Sr. and Irene "Bellafronte" Harris. He was the eldest of 3 sons. His brothers Cordell and John preceded him in death. Russell grew up in New Brunswick, New Jersey where in High School he met the young love of his life Marie Helen Amato. They were sweethearts that married at a very early age. He was 17 and she was 16. Their marriage produced 2 beautiful daughters, Cheryl Ann the oldest, and a younger daughter, Rena Marie.

Russell was employed by A.R. Winarick, a cosmetic manufacturer and Marie was employed by Permacel, a manufacturer of medical tapes. They resided in Milltown, NJ and eventually migrated to Zephyrhills, Florida where Russell as employed at Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative for 12 years and was later employed by the City of Zephyrhills as a meter reader. He retired in 2005. Marie was employed by Kash and Karry Grocery Stores as cashier and was later employed by Publix and later Walmart.

Russell and Marie were of the Pentecostal faith and members of Carpenters Home Church and later Ignited Church both of Lakeland, Florida. Marie passed away in 2007 after a 20-year brave battle against cancer. Russells' main interests were sports and collecting classic cars. He was an active weight lifter and a member of the local baseball team. He never missed a NASCAR race or cheering on his favorite driver Jeff Gordon.

Due to health declines, he resided at Gardens of Westbrooke Assisted Living Facility. During his last periods of consciousness, Russell said that he is ready to go home to Jesus and asked me if I would read him Psalms 91. He passed away at the Rucki Hospice Care Center in Zephyrhills. Russell left to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 30, 2025. He is grieved by his 2 daughters Cheryl Anne Menhennett and Rena Marie Edmondson, 1 Granddaughter Shaina Marie Edmonson, and 3 Great Grandsons Charles, Allen (AJ) and Ryker.

Services for Russell will be held at 11:00 AM on May 22nd at Crossroads Pentecostal Church at 5220 10th Street Zephyrhills, Florida by Pastor Steve McAdams.

Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery 11531 US-301, Dade City, FL 33525 at 12:30 PM.