Sonny

Russell

Obituary

Sonny Boy Russell passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, after a brief illness. He was 92.

Born to Emma and Albert in Norfolk County, Virginia, Sonny fought in the Korean war and was honorably released from active military service from the Army in 1956.

Fortunate to travel the world as an engineer on a cargo ship, he was the best griot that you can find and was always willing to share his adventures to anyone that would listen. And yes, we were happy to listen to his repeated exploits around the world.  His was a travelling poet that maintained the tradition of oral history and taught us about people, geography, music, food, and art in ways that only a sailor would know.  We listened intently as he explained the experiences of the Aboriginal peoples in Australia, the history of the geisha girl in Japan, the beauty of the wooden shoes from Holland, exploration of the cities off the beaten road, and of course the origin of his favorite art piece…the Captain and His Mate . He knew that when he introduced us to the Ink Spots, Janis Joplin, Rod Stewart, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Smokey Robinson, and so many others, that we would fall in love with music forever…and we did. His was like no other, and we are grateful to him for the many life lessons…

Sonny is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless people around the world.

To the man who makes the best potato soup and scrambled eggs with cheese…we ask you to keep telling stories. For it is your stories that encouraged your children and all that knew you to connect with the world.