I had the distinct pleasure of working with Russ for many years. What always impressed me about Russ was his work ethic. It was second to none. He was always there, always on time, always loaded down with more information than any 10 people would ever need. And he loved it. I will never, ever forget the morning he tried to explain pork bellies to me. He knew the whole time he was talking right over my head, but he trudged right through it until he thought I had it. And as always, he did it with a mile wide grin. I'll also never forget the week he asked me to fill in for him on the Ragan Report while he took a well-deserved vacation. Truth be told, I was horrified, but the man handed me a script for each day of the week. Thanks to him, I was able to discuss topics I knew less than nothing about and sound reasonably intelligent. Even pork bellies.
I didn't really know Russ that well outside of work, but I do know that he was fiercely dedicated to his family, to his audience, and to the Tide.
Of this I have no doubt: Starting Friday, July 27th, when the sun rises over the wiregrass each morning, it will be a little dimmer than it ever has been.
Farewell, Russ. You were one of the good ones.