Russell Johnson’s last request

Russell Johnson, former three-term city alderman, and retired teacher and coach, was laid to rest Wednesday in memorial services at the Eddie Lee Smith Multipurpose Building.

He passed away Wednesday June 1.

He would have been 77 years of age June 2.

Johnson called Rev. Johnny Poole prior to his death and asked him to do his Eulogy. The best was saved for last at his funeral Wednesday June 8.

“In that brief moment Russell knew his time had come,” Poole said. “Russell let me be his mouthpiece one more time. I did not hear death because I had already died to myself.”

It was the voice of Johnson’s gratitude speaking through Poole.

“I have fought the good fight. I am grateful because God used you to encourage me when I needed you - when I needed somebody to stand by me.

“Not only have I fought the good fight, I finished the race. The houses (Habitat for Humanity) I built, the history I preserved, my life long teaching ministry. I hope I taught you by example to give you the best on and off the field. So, remember to reach back and help somebody. “I kept the faith. Anderson Chapel family, I am grateful to you because I didn’t have to rush to get my affairs in order. Jesus booked my return flight. “God was there with me. God gave me grace. He allowed me, Russell L. Johnson, to look into your future and gave me the words to say you are going to be alright.”

Poole called out the names of his family, his wife Johnnie Ree and his children and grandchildren.

“I want you to know that I love you and am proud of you and I always will remember you. The same God with me will never leave you, even on the day you draw your last breath. God’s love for us and love for you that I share is eternal. It never dies.

“So live your life by faith, not by sight. Put your hands to the things God has assigned you to do. You are going to be alright. Remember I am grateful to God for each and everyone of you. God allowed me to share my life with you.”

Pastor William S. Banks led the call to worship and prayer. He assured Johnson’s family and many friends and associates that “God knows what God is doing” and he prayed for comfort for the family. He said Johnson is not dead, but has transitioned to a place where there is no more sorrow and no more death. “What I’m going to miss most is not Russell’s stewardship and work in the ministry, it is his questions in Bible Study that would make a pastor think before he opens his mouth,” Banks said interjecting humor into the memorial service.

In reciting the legacy Johnson left to the community, former Holly Springs Mayor Kelvin O. Buck shared a number of resolutions honoring Johnson for his community service - a resolution from the Holly Springs Mayor Sharon Gipson and the Board of Aldermen; the Marshall County Board of Supervisors; the Northwest Mississippi Basketball Officials Association; and from the Mississippi House of Representatives.

“Russell did not bury his talents in the sand, he shared them with the entire community and various organizations,” Buck said. “His footsteps and footprints are are all over this community.”

The thing the resolutions all had in common, Buck said, is they “reflect upon the footsteps of a great individual. This man gave everything he had for his community.

“He would say it’s a time for celebration, a time for celebration of life – whether it’s cooking, coaching or just plain ole me – Russell Johnson.”

Three Holly Springs mayors were present Buck, Sharon Gipson and Andre DeBerry.

Fergenia Hood read the acknowledgements from the family prepared by Johnnie Ree Bagley.

“On behalf of my family, God will take care of you for He has said `I will never leave you or forsake you,” she wrote.

She thanked all the caretakers during Johnson’s illness and for their love and care, mentioning the Holly Springs First Responders and staff.

Sedric Scott, president of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, remembered Johnson for his brotherhood, scholarship and service and his life membership number - #1024.

Len Jeffries, a member of the 1968 W.T. Sims football team, said he couldn’t say all he wanted to about Johnson in the two minutes allotted.

He recalled Johnson’s rigor in training and how hard it was to get a compliment from his coach. But Jeffries asked Johnson if he could have his Valley State jersey number # 62 and his coach said he was not good enough for it. But when new uniforms were bought, Johnson gave his #62 jersey to Jeffries.

Johnson became his mentor and gave all kinds of love.

“We all love him. May he rest in peace,” Jeffries said.