Obituary: Oliver Walter Russ Jr.

Oliver Walter Russ Jr., (“Russ”), of Oak Ridge, passed away on Friday, November 7.

“Joe Bob” was born April 18, 1923, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Oliver and Beulah Russ. The family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he attended Drury University for two years before being drafted to serve in World War II. He served at Fort Nix, New York, and France, Belgium, and Germany, before returning to complete his education at Birmingham Southern College.

He came to work in Oak Ridge initially as an instrument mechanic and then as a computer analyst. He met Dorothy (Dottie) Roark at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and they married July 15, 1950. They enjoyed their life together greatly until her death November 5, 2008, taking special pleasure in their home and garden.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Jack Roark.

They are survived by cousin, Kathryn Mattos of Brookhaven, Mississippi; nieces and nephew, Jayne (John) May, of Marietta, Georgia; Susan (Dick) McFall of Durham, North Carolina; Bill (Betty) Roark of Sharps Chapel, Tennessee; and Peggy (Sammy) Fox of Greeneville, Tennessee, and Carolyn Roark of Mosheim, Tennessee.

Following Dottie’s death, Oliver was known as a quiet and private person. He disliked saying “no,” and would reply instead with “maybe” or “I don’t know.” He was blessed to have great caregivers to help in his final days, and he enriched the family of neighbors Mary Palmer and Vince Stevens.

Dottie and Russ established scholarships with their estate at Lincoln Memorial University, Birmingham Southern College, and Drury University.

A service was held on Wednesday, November 12, at 12 p.m. in the chapel of Oak Ridge Memorial Park with Rev. Jenny Caughman officiating.

Weatherford Mortuary is handling the arrangements. The family asks that any memorials be made to a local charity of the donor’s choice. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.