Bryan Anthony Russell

Bryan, the gentle giant of his family and neighborhood, was the epitome of love and kindness to many along his walk through life. Though his life journey was not long enough, we also know that it was well lived. He illuminated the scripture, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28). A natural born nurturer of mammoth proportion, he lived and earned the adorning affection of everyone whom he met. The youngest child of Delores Hill Russell and Edward A. Russell, Jr. Bryan was born on July 21, 1964, in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents preceded him in death. His faith in the Catholic Church is well documented from an early age. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manassas, Virginia, for many years. Bryan received his early education in the Baltimore School system. He graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Baltimore, Maryland. He later matriculated at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida, and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. For many years, Bryan served as a volunteer firefighter for Lake Jackson Fire and Rescue Department. Also incredible was his brilliance, intellectual knowledge, and business sense. His career in finance at National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, Washington, D.C. Metro area, spanned over 19 years, where he last held the position of associate vice president. Bryan was also a history teacher in the Broward County, Florida, School System prior to moving to Virginia. There were many facets of life Bryan cherished; sailing being one and world history another. In addition, snorkeling, skiing, camping, hiking, traveling, and motor cycle riding were recreational hobbies that Bryan immensely enjoyed. As a family-oriented person, family and friends were his utmost highest priority. He adored his two grandkids, Kristopher and Krystyna, and loved to read them bedtime stories and taking them to the Air and Space Museum. He truly cherished spending quality time with loved ones, and always entertained them with his comedic and unique wittiness. (He was a member of the D.C. Improv for a brief period of time.) He was also dubbed the unofficial tour guide at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., where he spent countless hours interacting with visitors, family, and friends. His persona could be characterized as adventurous, yet God-like, as demonstrated by his gentle spirit, patience, and compassion beyond belief. By the grace of God, Bryan leaves behind a legacy of being one of the most respectable, caring, and kind-hearted persons to have ever walked this earth. Bryan leaves to cherish his loving memories: Evelyn Russell, his wife of 29 years; two sons: Kenneth Morris Scott, Jr. (Sarah) and Sean Russell (Laura, fiancé); brother: Eddie Russell; two grandchildren: Kristopher and Krystyna; Godmother Jean Harris; sister-in-law Sharol Alexander (Thomas); brother-in-law Wilbur James Moore (Patrice); a special cousin Frank Russell, Jr.; and a host of host of nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and friends. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Road, Manassas, VA. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers Evelyn would appreciate monetary donations towards the grand children's scholarship fund. Mail and make donations payable to Evelyn Russell 7775 Beadfield Court Manassas, VA 20112.

Bryan Anthony Russell

July 21, 1964 - February 14, 2014