Gregory G. Russell

Gregory George Russell, 77, passed away on September 6, 2024. Greg was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend who devoted 29 years as a school teacher.

Born March 14, 1947, Greg was the youngest of Norman and Vera Jean Russell's three children. Greg was raised around the Western Michigan University (WMU) campus and his love of WMU continued throughout his life. He completed K-12 at the University schools on WMU's campus earning two varsity letters and played football for four years. He lived on Knollwood Ave. in a house that his father built, which still stands today. He graduated from WMU in 1970, the same year he married Jo Northam. 

Greg is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jo, their son Eric (Colleen) Russell and grandchildren Henry, Ryan, Layla and Thomas; his best friend and brother Rick (Lynn) Russell; his sister Sue Grossman and 8 nieces and nephews.

Family, friends, music, golf and cooking were the highlights of Greg's life. Always with Jo by his side, Greg will be remembered for his quick wit, incredible recall of details, names and jokes as well as his devotion to his passions.

Greg likely had music in his blood but the Beatles awoke his lifelong passion. He was known for his music collections, as well as his deep knowledge about songs, lyrics and musicians. He played in bands (lead guitar/vocals) since he was in high school and truly enjoyed entertaining people. They even named their son after Eric Clapton! For 10 years, he was "The CD DJ" performing at weddings, etc. Music was a huge part of his life!

He and Eric shared a love of sports and saw many WMU football and basketball games. He was so proud of Eric and how he expanded his love of golf into a successful career. Greg also loved spending time with Rick, especially on the golf course. For 36 years they played in the KCC Red Blazer Tournament and winning it twice. 

When it came to cooking, Greg would say "I was born to slice and dice!" He loved collecting cookbooks and implementing the recipes. 

Greg was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he volunteered for over a decade with the food bank. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to First Presbyterian Church Hospitality Fund 321 W. South St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

A memorial service to celebrate Greg's life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Frist Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 with refreshments to follow in the gathering space.   

Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Augusta Chapel.