Richard Dean (Ricky) Russell, age 62, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 31, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.
Ricky was born in Panama City, Florida, on January 30, 1962, to Carolyn Joiner Russell and Emmett Neal Russell. Later on, Ricky and his mother returned to Marianna where he attended Marianna High School. Before his illness, Ricky worked at the Sunland Center in Marianna and Jones Construction Company, and he was employed by Anderson Columbia at the time his cancer journey began in 2016.
Ricky would often say how much he missed being able to work. He was a Florida Gator fan at heart. He loved spending time at the Chipola River with his friends, and he also enjoyed NASCAR, reading and word search puzzles. Ricky was a member of the Marianna Moose Lodge until his illness prevented him from attending.
Ricky was preceded in death by his mother and father; an infant sister; his grandparents, Willie T. and Marie Joiner; his stepfather, Roland Wright; his granddaughter, Corrine Russell; his cousin, Andy Bragg; and uncle, Tommy Joiner. He leaves behind a loving family including his son, Dustin Hawke Russell; grandson, Rowen Russell; stepdaughter, Delanea Lipford and her daughter, Adaleigh. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, Clayton Joiner, Betty Sue Bragg, Shirley and George Gill, Barbara and Ray Pumphrey, and Bobby and Rhonda Joiner. Also left to cherish his memory are several loving cousins and friends, as well as fur babies, Kia, Nubbie, and Dio.
A memorial service honoring Ricky’s life will be at 2 P.M., Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home with Chaplain Gino Mayo officiating.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 1 P.M. until the time of service at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Brown and his staff; Dr. John Brunner and his staff; the employees of the Fusion Center; the nurses and other employees of the Second Floor at Jackson Hospital; Emerald Coast Hospice; and the many others who helped Ricky during his lengthy illness.
In lieu of flowers, it was Ricky’s wish that donations be made in his memory to North Florida Rescue, 18534 NE Frank Williams Lane, Blountstown, FL 32424. They were instrumental in helping with the adoption of Kia and Dio’s siblings and mother.
Condolences may be made online at www.mariannachapelfh.com
