Pastor Ezra Eugene Russ

Ezra Eugene Russ, affectionately known as “Bell” and “Bae Brother” was born October 5, 1940 the son of Mr. Ezra Russ and Mrs. Erma Hall-Russ in Mon- ticello Arkansas. Ezra Eugene Russ attended Drew County Ele- mentary, Drew County High School, Arkansas Baptist College for his BS, MS and also ORU where he received his ThD. Ezra Eugene Russ professed a hope in Christ at an early age at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Russ began pas- toring in his early twenties in Carthage Ark. He later was called to Warren Ark. then Shiloh Missionary Bap- tist in Little Rock, Ark. In 1974 Pastor Russ was called to Greater Saint James MBC as Senior Pastor until his retirement in 2018 after 44 years of faithful service. Pastor Russ throughout his life. He was employed by IPS as a science teacher for school #112. He worked for the Job Corps as an instructor at Camp Atterbury in 1984. He worked with the Indianap- olis Education Association receiving a Human Rights award. He was employed by the Center Township Trustee for years as a Mental Health Caseworker. He worked for Westside Economic Social Service Corp in 1977. Pastor Russ was very active with the Baptist Ministers Alliance and Union District receiving an award of appreciation March 24, 2012 from Sr. Moderator Rev. Ronald Covington Sr. Pastor Russ served on the advisory board for Barrington Health Center in 2009. January 1996, he received a certificate of Appreciation for his support with Boy Scouts of America. Pastor Emeritus Ezra Eugene Russ was a member of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Clergy. 1976 Pastor Russ received recognition as USCO Commissioner. February 23rd, 1989 Pastor E.E. Russ received a Congressional Record for being outstanding as a Hoosi- er hero after saving the lives of 3 of his next-door neighbors in a house fire presented by Senator Richard G. Lugar. These accomplishments are just a few among the many throughout his lifetime. Pastor Emeritus E. E. Russ greatest accomplishment of all was being an Ambassador for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Pastor and Friend. On Saturday May 4, 2024, at the age of 83 years, 7 months, and 1 day, Pastor Emeritus Ezra Eugene Russ made his transition from Earth to Glory. His Father Ezra Russ, Mother Erma Hall-Russ, Brothers Joseph Daughtery, Riley Haynes, Hosea Russ, Sterling Russ, Grandson Anthony Eugene Russ II, Mother-in-law Larnie Mae Ferrell (Jesse), Brother-in- laws Adolphus Daniels, John Lee White, Sister-in-law Dorothy Daniels, preceded him in death. Pastor Emeritus Ezra Eugene Russ leaves to cherish his memory His loving Wife Darnell Russ, children Anthony Russ (Angela), Angelia Russ, Kasandra Frank- lin (Darryl), Shaun Russ (Saba) grandchildren Justin Staten, Robert C. Rayner Jr., Darian Franklin, Kristopher Franklin, Austin Russ, Melodee Jones, Matios Russ, Elias Russ, Laila Russ, great-grandchildren Olivia Ross, DeV- on Russ, sibling Erma Jean White, sister-in-law, Doro- thy Daniels. Host of nieces, nephews and cousins. We will miss his presence, but remain grateful for the memories we shared.

Pastor Ezra Eugene Russ

October 5, 1940 - May 4, 2024