James Theodore "Teddy" Russell

james russell

February 8, 1942 ~ December 20, 2011

Services: A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD with Deacon Bill Nickerson officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Visitation: The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with prayers recited at 7:00 P.M. James Theodore “Teddy” Russell, Sr., 69, of Bushwood, MD, died on December 20, 2011. Born February 8, 1942, in Valley Lee, MD, he was the son of the late Charles H. and Frances Myrtle Owens Russell. Mr. Russell is survived by his companion of 25 years Dina M. Murray. Mr. Russell is survived by his children; Wanda R. Russell of Woodbridge, VA, James T. Russell, II, of Upper Marlboro, MD, and Timothy Russell Echeverio (Allison) of Centennial, CO, grandchildren; James Theodore Russell, III, Christopher William Russell, Jennifer Ann Marie Russell, Jessie and John Godwin, Caelin and Hannah Echeverio ,and Deliah Marie Russell . Teddy is also survived by his siblings John H. Russell (Arlene) of Spokane, WA, Joseph Leroy Russell (Ann) of Avenue, MD, Elizabeth Anne Smith of Piney Point, MD, and Francis Patrick Russell (Beverly), Rita Ann Pegg both of Hollywood, MD, Margaret Cecelia Creighton and Charlotte Ann Ekster (Peter) both of Holland, MI. Mr. Russell is preceded in death by siblings; Charles Benedict Russell, Mary Lorraine Vollinger, Mary Rose Watson and 2 infant brothers. Teddy was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD, he was a Commercial Seafood Harvester. He enjoyed working on his boat and was a member of the Seventh District Optimist Club. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 in the Mattingley-Gardner Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers being recited at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD with Deacon Bill Nickerson officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be; James T. Russell, III, Josh Burch, Charles Leroy (Ricky) Morris, Christopher W. Russell, Brian Russell, and Henry (Buck) Bowles. Contributions may be made in memory of James Theodore (Teddy) Russell to Hospice House of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD, and American Cancer Society, 1041 Rt. 3 North Building A., Gambrills, MD 21236. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. “To the Russell family… We are so sorry for Teddy’s passing. He was a good friend and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

  2. “My brother has passed on to the light with his other sisters and brothers. It is a difficult time to let him go. But I know he knew there was a better life in heaven because he often told me so. I miss him and love him very much. I will hold all his love of life, the water and his family close to my heart. I know he is happy in God’s eternal garden. Rest in peace my brother, until we meet again. Love Rita Ann”

  3. “To Teddys’ family we are so sorry for your loss. May God help you through the hard times ahead. God Bless you all.”

  4. “I am so very saddened to hear that Teddy has passed away. Joe and I just chatted with him recently at Murphy’s. I’ve known him all my life and will surely miss seeing him around the 7th. May God comfort all his friends and family in their darkest hours, and may He grant eternal rest to Teddy. R.I.P. Teddy.”

  5. ” Brother Teddy, Although the distance between us keeps us from visiting as often as we’d like it doesn’t keep me from thinking of you or loving you as much as ever, I have very much to remember about you ,you told me alot about the holy bible and I say it was very interesing, I enjoyed listening to the stories you told and I do believe,maybe youre the reason for many of my smiles, and a part of the warmth in my heart ,and no matter how much distance there is between us ,I’ll always be thinking of you because you showed me a lot You loved the lord dearly,everyone could see,now I know youre resting in his arms where youre always wanted to be . I miss you Teddy and may gods strong arms wrap around you tightly and you rest in peace “

  6. Pete & Charlotte (Doll) Ekster says:

    “Our hearts are broken again. Our eyes seem to continually fill w/tears. We can smile though because we know that Teddy was a mission. He told us all about eternal life. We have that assurance from him. He experienced it. I remember thinking when I held his hands the last time in the hospital I have never held hands so rough and tough. He loved the water and ironically that is where he was when he was called home. We will miss you Teddy but we will never forget you. RIP Pete & Doll”

  7. “I witnessed Teddy fighting the wind, tide, weather and the market to support his family. He worked hard and only expected to be paid for what he produced. Did he have a cushy job with a fat pension? Heck no, and he didn’t want one. He wanted to earn his families living and he did it by hard, honest work. The oysters, crabs and clams can breathe a sigh of relief cause Teddy sure knew how to catch them. Your hard labors are over now captain, may you Rest in Peace.”

  8. “My prayers are with the Russell family at this time. RIP Teddy- “

  9. “To Teddys family we are so sorry for your loss'”

  10. Speedy & Barbara Sue Nelson says:

    “Wanda,Cubby & Timmy so sorry about your Dad. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.”

  11. “Teddy, my heart is so broken and bruised due to the loss of you yesterday and Rainey less than three months ago, never did I think that losing her in September I would be losing you in December but I must believe God has his way of doing things and no one will ever change that, I must also believe that you are in His heavenly home with Rainey and the others that have gone before.You always spoke of the Lord and the Bible and we have learned much from you, I loved your sermons and took in every word that was said. Today I am sadden and weary due to the loss but know you are safely at home with your Heavenly Father which somehow gives me a little comfort. Rest in Peace my brother and someday we will meet again if it is Gods will. Love, Sis”

  12. Rose Mary & Mel Longfield says:

    “Cubby, So Sorry to hear of your father’s passing, god speed.”

  13. Linda Stone/Goddard Family says:

    “”To Teddys’ family we are so sorry for your loss. He will be miss on the water.. May God help you through the hard times ahead. God Bless you all.” “

  14. “To the whole Russell family & Deanna, I am so sorry that Uncle Teddy was taken from us. I know he will be missed by us all for sure. Love you Uncle Teddy an will miss you.”

  15. Dan and Mary Jo Fellner says:

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him. He was a good man and truly made a difference in so many lives.”

  16. “To Teddy’s family: I’ve known Teddy for years. We would run into each other and talk about our kids. He always had a positive outlook in life. He is finally at peace and will be missed by many. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of each other and stay close. Its what he would want.”

  17. “So Sorry to hear about the passing of Teddy. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.”

  18. “To all of Teddy’s family, I am sorry for your loss. I knew Teddy for many years. He was a good man and a good friend who was always willing to help others to find the right path.”

  19. “So sorry to hear of Teddys passing. He was a man with a passion for life, We always enjoyed his stories when he would come by the farm to get strawberries . He will be missed. “

  20. “Wanda and Cubby, so sorry for your loss. Whenever you feel the breeze from the water, may you think of your Dad “

  21. “I miss you so much. Why the Lord decided to take you from me after just losing my son is not mine to question. If you see Dean give him a hug for me. I know you are happy now going back to that beautiful place you told us all about, and being with your sisters. I will always be Your Dina that loves you so much.”

  22. “To all of the Russell Family. I was so sorry to hear of Teddy passing on. But at least he is not suffering any more. I am sure that Teddy, his Mother and Sibblings are looking down from Heaven smiling at all of us right now. I will keep all of you in my prayers. “

  23. Jesse Farell and family says:

    “We are very sorry for you’r loss… You are in our prayers.”

  24. “Today is a heavy heart felt day as we accept the departure of our loved one. He was a soulmate, a father, a grandfather, a brother and an Uncle. He loved spending his life working on the water viewing God’s horizon. He never had fear of his maker and strongly believed in God’s will. He had may challenges in earlier years then he found God’s path. He became a spokesperson to and for our family and friends hoping to teach our young right from wrong and/or understand the consequences. My Uncle Teddy will be missed. Aunt Rainey will have her brother to lean on. Now they can go see where Wookie has run off too! God be with my family during this difficult time. Please take care of them….the wound is still fresh since Aunt Rainey was put to rest recently. I love my family….here and in God’s hands. Peace be with you.”

  25. “To Teddy’s family my deepest condolences on your loss. What a sad time for you all losing Rainey and now Teddy. Just know they are together in heaven with Mom. May God comfort and bless you all. I love you.”

  26. “Timmy, So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. You and your family are in our prayers during this most difficult time. “

  27. “You were my brother by chance but always my friend by choice. I will love and miss you always.”

  28. Brenda Tennison Norris says:

    “Rita, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. “

  29. “To Dina and the Russell family, may you find peace in your heart during this holiday season. Remember to Believe to receive…Merry Christmas, Thinking of you, Glenda”

  30. “Wanda, Cubby and Rita – I am so sorry on the loss of you Dad and brother. I did not know Teddy that well, but I do know that he was a VERY hard worker and loved his family foremost. He is free of pain and suffering now and enjoyint the light of Christ. Perhaps Teddy and my brother Rooster are tipping back a cold one and talking about the good times in the 7th District. “

  31. “May the tide rise to meet you and the wind always be at your back. Farewell, Capt Teddy. Fair winds and following seas~”

  32. “So sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.”

  33. “Dina, my heartfelt condolences to you and the Russell family. Dina, I read your note you posted on here and read about you also losing your son recently. As the saying goes “The Lord doesn’t give us more to handle than we can take”. Easy to say but hard to understand when times are tough. I remember when you started telling me some 25 years ago about this new fellow in your life named Ted Russell. I could tell you were smitten. Through the good times and the hard times you stuck together. The last time you and I talked it sounded like things were getting tougher for Ted health wise.He is at peace now. Treasure the memories. “

  34. John & Christine Patterson says:

    “Our heartfelt condolences to Teddy’s family and friends. May Teddy rest in peace.”

  35. “Dina, I am so sorry for your loss, especially after Dean’s recent unexpected passing. I know you have been given more sorrow than your heart can bear, but hang in there, knowing that your faith in God will comfort and guide you.”

  36. “To the Russell Family: You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

  37. “We are so sorry to hear of Teddy’s passing, Teddy was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family during this time. R.I.P Teddy.”

  38. “To The Russel Family – Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. It saddens us to hear of Mr. Teddy’s passing; he was truly a great friend to “Capt Alley” and we will cherish memories of their friendship always. “Captain Aloysius Jordan’s Family””

  39. “Mr. Russell was a good customer of ours at Posner Industries and we will miss him very much he was a great pleasure to deal with. our condolences go out to his family. “

  40. “Timmy, So sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a good man and a hard worker. I know he’ll be missed. “

  41. “Dina, I was so sorry to hear Ted had passed away. I know he will be missed a lot by you, his family and friends. I’m sure he will be sailing on God’s seas and still enjoying the water. I’m sorry we couldn’t be with you but will keep you and the family in my prayers. God Bless you all.”

  42. Roy,Kimberly,Tyler Bowles says:

    “We are sorry to hear of Teddy’s passing, Our thoughts,prayers and deepest condolences to all of his family members. Our hearts go out to you all. “

  43. “To the Russell Family…I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest in God’s comfort.”

  44. Evans Family Saint George Island Maryland says:

    ” With true sympathy to the family. God bless. “

  45. “To Doll and Cecelia…my sympathy to you and your family during this time of loss..he will always be with you in your heart and in your memories..”


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle