Deacon Earl Russell

Life Reflections Earl Russell was born October 11, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri to Thelma and Raymond Russell. Hisparents and his two brothers, Vannie Russell and Levon (Bummer) Davis preceded him in death. Earl shared many stories of his relationship with his brothers. They shared clothes, shoes, and cars. Earland Vannie bought a 1954 Ford together back in 1959....he was only 14 years old. He told of the timehe let Bummer wear some new Bannister alligator dress shoes. He never got to wear those shoes afterBummer broke them in, while playing basketball in them. He loved his brothers and he missed themdearly. Earl was educated in the St. Louis Public School system. He attended Sumner High School where hewas a member of the A Capella' choir. He loved to sing and had a wonderful tenor voice. Music and songwere a huge part of his life as one of his careers was working for WESL Radio in the early 70's as anAccount Executive and DJ along with his longtime friend, Charles Smith (Sweet Charlie), who precededhim in death. Earl the Pearl and Sweet Charlie were spinning records on both sides of the river. Hisfamous line was "This is Earl the Pearl, Often Imitated, Never Duplicated!" He knew how to get a partystarted and keep people on the dance floor. Playing those hits that wouldn't let 'em quit. He had many careers in his life. He got his first job when he was 7 years old. He worked a real job at a local grocery store, Joe's Quality Market. During his retirement he reflected on the importance ofhaving that money taken out of his check when he was just a little boy. He then went on to work atLincoln Market located then on Easton Ave. (MLK Dr.). He became a 33rd Degree Shriner of the Medinah Temple, in St. Louis, Missouri. His love for serving the community led him to open his owngrocery store. Earl was the first person in his family to own a business. From 1975-1980 he ownedand operated "West Florissant Supermarket" located on the corner of Mimika and West Florissant Ave.in St. Louis, Missouri. He served this community's need for quality food, meat and dairy. Earl's career path led him to the St. Louis Post Dispatch newspaper as a Circulation supervisor from1979-2004. He had the gift for sales. He could sell almost anything, not just newspapers. He sold hisgift of gab. He sold his love for people. He sold his truth and knowledge to all he met. He never met astranger and sold his winning personality and "his" ways to his new friends. Earl accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and became a member of 1st Baptist Church ofRobertson. He was ordained as a Deacon and served in the Adult Choir and as President of the MaleChorus. He loved the Lord and his church. Whenever the doors were open at First, you'd find DeaconEarl Russell right there participating and offering his ideas to make things right for the Lord and formembers. Earl loved his family dearly. He was often heard bragging about the accomplishments of all hischildren, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Sylvia of 42years; his children, Constance Rutlin, Evangelist Janie Russell. Minister Jerrold Russell (Sharon),Vanessa Rutlin, Nakita Epperson, and Erika Russell; his grandchildren, Courtland Danrich, CamerynRutlin, Courtnei Rutlin, Jerrold Russell II, Jerrica Russell, Christoph Rutlin, Deontis Russell, and BryceFauntleroy; his only sister, Maggie Russell; four sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and a host ofnephews and nieces. He has many, many special people he called "his" daughter, son, niece, nephew,brother and sister. He even had two 'grandpuppies', Chloe Madison and Chase Alexander (Popcorn). He loved them all and always treated them like family. He loved family and developed strong relation-ships with every one of them. Earl, a husband, dad, grand daddy, paw paw, uncle, Deacon, brother, and friend. He was known bymany people and was loved by many more. He departed this life on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, after abrief illness. His words of wisdom will be remembered by all. "Don't make me love you more than you love me".That was his way of reminding you that he loved you and to make sure you loved him. "Make me Proud"or "The key to success is to pay attention". These were words of encouragement to those he wantedto help reach their goal. He shared these and many other words of encouragement because he trulyloved his family and friends. He wanted them to succeed in everything they did.Interment:Oak Grove Cemetery7800 St. Charles Rock RoadSt. Louis, MO 63114 . Visitation Thursday, Jun 30, 2016 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Leonard Missionary Baptist Church 1100 North Compton Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63106 Funeral Service Friday, Jul 01, 2016 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Leonard Missionary Baptist Church 1100 North Compton Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63106