Russell Hall

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Russell A. Hall, who passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023 at the age of 96 in his apartment at Provision Living of Forest Hills.

Born on July 5, 1926 in Wallingford Connecticut, Russ lived a long and fulfilling life. Russ was a WWII Veteran, he served in the US Navy as a Radioman.

Russ Received a degree in Civil Engineering at Tulane University However, Russ’s two children attended Auburn University and you often would hear Russ saying “War Eagle!!!”.

Russ was preceded in death by his wife Doris L. Hall. He is survived by his son Kenneth R. Hall MD (Alicia), of Alabama and daughter Katherine E. Barker (J.C. Patterson) of Colorado, as well as the Hage and Brown families and friends.

Russ spent many years raising his family in Birmingham Alabama. Upon his retirement he moved to Grand Rapids Michigan where he lived for over 30 years. During those years he made many friends at the Wyoming American Legion. Where you would find him playing pool with the guys. There he met Earl Traster and they became best friends.

In 1994, Earl introduced Russ to his widowed sister-in-law Jackie Hage. Russ and Jackie had a very special relationship lasting 18 years before her passing in 2012. They loved to travel, go to the symphony, and theatre. They loved taking drives in his convertible Miata, whom together they named Mimi. Russ often said “Jackie was the love of my life”. They also adopted a cat whom they named Smokie. After finding out he was a she, they renamed her Miss Smokie. Smokie was a hugh comfort to Russ after Jackie Passed. The Hage family embraced Russ as one of there own. Jackies grandchildren would call him “Grandpa Russ”. Many summers were spent together at Sandy Pines, golfing, barbecuing, and going for rides in the golf cart.

In 2015 Russ met Sharyll Brown. They too had a very special relationship lasting until Russ’s passing. Russ and Sharyll traveled together around the US. Russ had a chance to meet all of Sharyll’s six children and grandchildren. He loved Sharyll’s cooking and they to loved the theatre. Sharyll and Russ spent summers at Sandy Pines and loved to go to the pool together. They shared many laughs and great conversations. Sharyll was a wonderful friend and caregiver to Russ. He called her his Sweetheart. Sharyll’s family also embraced Russ and he spent many holidays with Sharyll and her family.

He will be especially missed by Ann Hage, Jackie's daughter-in-law. Russ held a very special place in her heart. Ann and Russ had great conversations and debates about the Wolverines and the Spartans, the republicans and the democrats. They made each other laugh. Ann and Russ would FaceTime with his son and daughter so they could stay connected through his decline in health. He called her Angel.

He will be deeply missed by all of his friends and family. Especially Sharyll and Ann. I would like to thank all of the caregivers from Spectrum Health Hospice. They were a comfort, a sounding board, and so compassionate toward Russ. A huge thank you to Sandra, Corinna, Roberta, Sheri and Amanda.

A funeral service was held on March 20th at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an animal rescue, or charity of your choice. Rest in peace Russ. You will be forever missed, but your memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who were fortunate enough to know you. War Eagle, Love Life and stay Happy Happy.

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