Carl Samuel Russ Jr.

Carl Samuel Russ Jr., 90, passed away peacefully at home in Covington, Louisiana on October 20, 2025. Born on June 30, 1935, in Panama City, Florida, Carl grew up between Panama City and Grantsboro, North Carolina.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Samuel Russ Sr. and Mildred Leila Bannerman, his stepfather, Daniel A. Dees, and his sister, Angeline Manning.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Ella Shields Russ; his daughters, Victoria Plank (Chet), Elizabeth Smith, and Mary Russ; his grandchildren, Ansley Plank, Sawyer Plank, Ella Smith, and Banner Smith; and his niece, Mimi Manning Clark.

Carl was a loving husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from spending time with his family. A proud veteran, he served in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division as a medic and paratrooper before graduating from East Carolina University. He went on to work as an insurance adjuster, where he was admired for his dedication, kindness, and integrity.

A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Panama City, Florida, Carl served as a deacon and elder, and was also a member of the Panama City Lions Club. Outside of work and service, he could often be found tending to his fruit trees, volunteering at church, or enjoying time with family and friends.

Carl had a quiet wit and an easy laugh, often choosing to “get some air” outside when things got a little too loud in the house. He loyally attended countless long dance recitals, braved many cold, rainy soccer games, and stayed up late on Christmas Eve assembling gifts for his girls—usually without the help of instructions. He faced many challenges in life, but none greater than teaching his daughters to drive or helping them with math homework.

A small, private celebration of Carl’s life was held on October 23rd in Covington, Louisiana, in accordance with his wishes.

Carl had a lifelong love of animals, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to local humane societies in his memory.