Russell Craig Southerland
April 1, 1959 - April 2, 2019
Obituary for Russell Craig Southerland
RUSSELL CRAIG (Rusty) SOUTHERLAND
Also know as “Brother” and “Uncle Brother”
Russell Craig Southerland was born on April 1, 1959 to Charles Raymond Southerland and Loretta Janet (Watson) Southerland in Odessa, Texas. He passed away at his home in Tahlequah on April 2, 2019 of heart failure at the age of 60.
Russell proudly served his country on a nuclear submarine as a sonar technician and had many stories to tell about that time in his life. After leaving the Navy he worked as a machinist until he was declared disabled.
There were many things he enjoyed doing. Some of his favorites were being with one or all of his four sisters, spending time with his kids and grandkids, and going on motorcycle rides with Terry Bigby, his best friend since 7th grade. Terry’s wife Lori (Russell’s sister from another mother) commented that they were such close friends that Russell went on their first date with them. He also loved making plans for trips/gardening/cooking with LynnDee, who was the only person in his life closer than a sister.
He had some health issues when he was a child so he was especially precious to his family. Growing up with four sisters is rough. They were known to dress him like a girl in full Easter dress, with hat and purse to match, and then take a picture of him to show others for the rest of his life. He survived none the worse for it and had a very close bond with his sisters.
From that bond came a great love for his nieces and nephews. He liked to think of himself as their protector. He was known to comment about how lucky he was to have them in his life. He was especially proud of his son Adam, Daughter-in-Law Lacey, and daughter Sarah. His face lit up when he spoke of them.
Russell had a huge heart and was not afraid to show his emotions to those he loved. He was known to spend his last dime on someone in need or a loved one and did so on many occasions throughout his life. Sometimes it even meant that he would have to do without himself.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Joel Ray and a very special Brother-in-law, James Ferguson. He is survived by his two children, Adam Smith and wife Lacey, and Sarah Butler; cherished grandchildren Chailyn, Emmalee, William, Tristan, Chloe, and Cali, whom he loved more than anything in the world; four sisters, Frann Thompson and husband Larry, Katie Rodgers, Deb Corn and husband Mike and Elaina Rutherford and husband Tom. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and some very special extended family.
He will be missed daily by all, but more so when his sisters go on the annual sibling trip, or when Terry goes on a ride without him, or as LynnDee works in her garden.
Also know as “Brother” and “Uncle Brother”
Russell Craig Southerland was born on April 1, 1959 to Charles Raymond Southerland and Loretta Janet (Watson) Southerland in Odessa, Texas. He passed away at his home in Tahlequah on April 2, 2019 of heart failure at the age of 60.
Russell proudly served his country on a nuclear submarine as a sonar technician and had many stories to tell about that time in his life. After leaving the Navy he worked as a machinist until he was declared disabled.
There were many things he enjoyed doing. Some of his favorites were being with one or all of his four sisters, spending time with his kids and grandkids, and going on motorcycle rides with Terry Bigby, his best friend since 7th grade. Terry’s wife Lori (Russell’s sister from another mother) commented that they were such close friends that Russell went on their first date with them. He also loved making plans for trips/gardening/cooking with LynnDee, who was the only person in his life closer than a sister.
He had some health issues when he was a child so he was especially precious to his family. Growing up with four sisters is rough. They were known to dress him like a girl in full Easter dress, with hat and purse to match, and then take a picture of him to show others for the rest of his life. He survived none the worse for it and had a very close bond with his sisters.
From that bond came a great love for his nieces and nephews. He liked to think of himself as their protector. He was known to comment about how lucky he was to have them in his life. He was especially proud of his son Adam, Daughter-in-Law Lacey, and daughter Sarah. His face lit up when he spoke of them.
Russell had a huge heart and was not afraid to show his emotions to those he loved. He was known to spend his last dime on someone in need or a loved one and did so on many occasions throughout his life. Sometimes it even meant that he would have to do without himself.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Joel Ray and a very special Brother-in-law, James Ferguson. He is survived by his two children, Adam Smith and wife Lacey, and Sarah Butler; cherished grandchildren Chailyn, Emmalee, William, Tristan, Chloe, and Cali, whom he loved more than anything in the world; four sisters, Frann Thompson and husband Larry, Katie Rodgers, Deb Corn and husband Mike and Elaina Rutherford and husband Tom. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and some very special extended family.
He will be missed daily by all, but more so when his sisters go on the annual sibling trip, or when Terry goes on a ride without him, or as LynnDee works in her garden.
Funeral Service
APR 6.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Green Country Funeral Home
203 S. Commercial Rd. PO Box 2048
Tahlequah, OK, 74465
Cemetery Details
Tahlequah City Cemetery
Tahlequah, OK, 74464
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