Russell Allen “Russ” Whitmire, age 68, loving husband and father, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022, following a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Russ was born on November 26, 1953.
Russ was a tradesman and worked hard his entire life. His infectious smile and love of life, along with his ability to make a mean omelet, won him the hand of the love of his life, Debbie. They married in 1976. He brought to the marriage, his daughter, Stacie Ann, and together Russ and Debbie had two sons, Jeremy and Justin.
Russ and Deb moved to northern Michigan in 1994 and made Gaylord their permanent home in 2000.
Russ was a supreme storyteller, loved the woods and being outdoors, and was a practical joker with a terrific sense of humor. His love of golf is legendary, and outside of his family, nothing made him happier than being on the greens, with a club in his hand. Rock music was his forte, and he was a shark at cards and games. He was the kind of man who went without, so his children could have what they needed.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie; his three children, Stacie Goolsby, Jeremy (fiancé Hailey), and Justin (Erica); grandchildren, Jared Goolsby, and Alanna and Joseph Whitmire; brother, Ronnie (Cathy) Lehman; sister-in-law, Dawn (Joe) DiCarlo; aunt, Nancy Sherry; and several nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter or St. Jude Children’s Hospital (click this link provided.)
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
2 comments on “Russell A. Whitmire”
I met Russ years ago when he worked in the phone/electronics department at Walmart. Over the years, he remembered me and asked how my kids were doing and we always chatted and laughed. Russ was a true gem and he will be missed. RIP, Russ. Love and hugs to all who knew and loved him.
Russ was a very kind man. He shopped at cardinals for years was always helpful with my cell phone needs. RIP Russ. My heart goes out to the family.