Douglas Eugene Russell Jr. On July 11, 2024, the Winchester community lost a remarkable man. Douglas Eugene Russell Jr.
passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He dedicated his years to teaching the youth at Handley High School, directing choirs at local churches, and bringing the joy of music into the lives of many Winchester residents. He was born in Winchester, Virginia, in 1931 to Douglas "Tots" Eugene Russell Sr.
and Dorothea Shade Russell. Doug graduated from Handley High School in 1949, where he was a talented piano and trumpet player. After graduation, Doug joined the United States Navy, winning an audition with the Naval School of Music.
He spent his time in service working in the Chaplain’s office and serving as choral director for military celebrations at the base in Bainbridge, MD, After leaving the Navy, Doug earned his bachelor’s degree at Oberlin College and Conservatory and a master’s degree in music education at Kent State University. He began his teaching career in Ohio, where he also performed with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and had the honor of singing at Carnegie Hall and with the chamber choir under the renowned American Conductor, Robert Shaw. Eventually, Doug decided to relocate his family to Winchester in 1970, where he began teaching at his alma mater, Handley High School.
He took on the role of Choir Director, revamping three choirs and establishing two new ones. He also introduced musicals for the first time in the school's history. He taught at Lord Fairfax Community College where he developed their music appreciation program.
He served as the Director of the Apple Capital Chorus and the Barbershop Harmony Society. Additionally, he continued to perform as a singer-section leader with the Shenandoah University Arts Academy Chorale and with Musica Viva, serving as president of the board. He lived his musical passion while traveling around the world with Piedmont Singers for three residencies, singing at Wells Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, and St.
Patrick’s Cathedral. He later served as the music director at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, and played organ for the First Baptist Church and the First Presbyterian Church.
Doug married his first wife, Betty Jean Trenary-Russell, on June 4, 1955, at Market Street Methodist Church in Winchester, Virginia. Together, they raised two daughters, Karen and Kimberly Russell. Doug often reminisced about their family time in Ohio.
In 2007, Betty passed away. In 2010, Doug married Jeong Hee Lee-Russell, whom he met at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
In Doug’s final years, they enjoyed reading the Bible, discussing music and books, and playing piano duets together in the music room. Doug is survived by two daughters: Karen Russell Anderson, married to Dennis Anderson, and Kimberly Russell Stroop, fiancé to Billy Hornbeak. Doug cherished his time with his children and passed on his love of music to them.
He is survived by his grandchildren: Justin Ganoe, Corie Ganoe, Kyle Bush, Autumn Stroop, and Kyra Stroop. Additionally, he has three great-grandchildren: Carter Sole, Scarlett Ganoe, and Cameron Ganoe. Recently, Doug embarked on a trip aboard his beloved train, the Shay steam engine, and journeyed to Cass, West Virginia.
There, he celebrated his 91st birthday by admiring the breathtaking views of Snowshoe. Doug often reminisced about this trip and was eagerly anticipating repeating it with his family this fall. Doug will always be remembered for his infectious laugh, wit, and eating the burnt cheese.
We'll always imagine hearing him say "Why not?" just one more time. It's something we have all learned to say a little more often in life. We couldn't have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and we will miss him every day.
We look around at our beautiful family and know that we are all here because of him. "It's a Russell thing!" A visitation will be held on August 16, 2024, from 6:00 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home in Winchester, Virginia.
The Memorial Service will be held on August 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, located at 116 South Loudoun Street in downtown Winchester.
The Rev. Dr. Charles Franks will be officiating.
The family welcomes all community members who were touched by Mr. Russell's love and generosity throughout his life. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall to share our many memories of him and enjoy his love of music.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to be made to a cause very close to Doug’s heart, the National Railway Historical Society – Winchester Chapter, P. O. Box 364, Bluemont, VA 20135.
Online condolences may be left at.
