by Wade Morris

Gerald Russell was born on March 12, 1942, to the late Norval and Mary Evelyn Russell Morris in Metropolis, Ill. He died on Dec. 29, 2016, after a long battle with COPD.

Photo courtesy of Wade Morris

Russell was a mainstay at harness racing facilities from Canada to Florida and throughout the Midwest. His smile brightened the days of many horsemen and horsewomen during his career.

Russell was a veteran of the Vietnam War and spent most of his adult life with the harness horses that he loved. He was well known around most of the tracks in Kentucky, Illinois. Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York, Florida and Canada.

In his early years, before the army, he worked for his stepfather, George (Red) Morris and then went on to work for Dee Stover, then Day Manges, where he drove his first race in 1962. He also worked for Bob Burns and James Shafer.

After Vietnam, he struck out on his own and kept a public stable until his death. He often said if he couldn’t be around the horses it was time to die.

Russell loved to talk, loved American history, enjoyed the racetrack life and being with his family.

He always had a story to tell and everybody around the racetrack knew Russell. He would often help others in need and never met a stranger.

Russell is survived by his wife Linda Russell of Mason, Ohio, twin daughters, Julie Gray, Kathie (Chris) Farmer, of Paducah Ky., 4 grandchildren, Brandon and Emily Gray, and Zachary and Abbie Farmer, all of Paducah. Also surviving is a brother, Wade (Janie) Morris of Monticello, Ga., and a nephew, Nick (Leanne) Morris of Ray City, Ga.

Graveside services will be on Jan. 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Temple Hill Baptist Church on Temple Hill Rd in Golconda, Il.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Gerald Russell to:

Southland Ranch, P O Box 73, Lovelaceville, KY, 42060