Russell Dale Hughes was born to Roy Lee Hughes and Louise Freeman Hughes on July 1, 1955 in Fayette, AL. He departed this life on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at his Pontiac, MI residence.
Russell accepted Christ as his Personal Savior at an early age and became a member of First Baptist Church, Fayette, AL under the leadership of Rev. J.H. Thompson. He sang in the Jr. Choir. He attended West Highland High School, Fayette, AL until 1970 where he played the trumpet in the band. Shortly after graduating from Fayette County High School in 1973, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Unfortunately, his Navy career was cut short with an honorary medical discharge. He married Mae Herbert in Fayette, AL and he later moved to Pontiac, MI where he married LaShebha Bursey. To this union, a son was born, Spencer.
Russell, affectionally known as “Russcat” was always finding ways to make people smile and laugh by telling stories, cracking jokes, and laughing with the crowd. He loved listening to music and playing his bongos. He had a heart of gold, always trying to help anyone he could with anything he had. He loved his family and tried to call them often. He wanted people around him all the time because he didn’t like being alone.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents, Roy and Louise.
Russell leaves to cherish his memories, three sisters: Amanda Lark Henry (Will) and Arvitt Homol both of Fayette, AL, and Cheryll Stewart of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Eric Hughes of Jacksonville, FL; two sons: Spencer Hughes and Samino Hughes both of Pontiac, MI; five nieces: Carla Stewart of Norcross, GA, Alexandria Henry of Fayette, AL, Maria Harrington Abbott (James) of Moody, AL, Caitlyn Homol of Brooklyn, NY and Brittany Harris (Charles) of Tuscaloosa, AL; nephew: Reuben Hughes of New Orleans, LA; two grandchildren: Samino, Jr. and Giovanni of Pontiac, MI; special aunt, Bobbie Douglas (Milton, Sr.) of Mt. Clemens, MI; uncle who was like a brother, Rusty Freeman (Marilyn) of Birmingham, AL; close cousin, Ronald Hughes of Atlanta, GA, close friend, Bruce Richardson of Fayette, AL and a host of other relatives and friends.
Russell’s remains were laid to rest with military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI on Monday, July 3, 2023.
