Stephen was born to William H. (Bill) Russell from Ecru, Ms. and Billie L. Freeman/Russell from Portland, Or.  He was the oldest of three boys.  He spent his childhood in Columbus, Mississippi and graduated from S. D. Lee High in 1977 earning a scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy N. Y. He later attended Mississippi State University.  He earned a master’s degree in physics and electrical engineering.      

He was employed by the U. S. government at Red Stone Arsenal in Huntsville Alabama and several private military contractors to include Grumman Aerospace Cooperation in Melbourne Fl. He designed two types of lasers while at Red Stone that were patented and gave speeches around the country because of his research.  He also taught Physics for a few years.

He worked on numerous top-secret military projects.  One of them being the Star Wars/Joint Stars project.  He worked closely with the U. S. Air Force as they tested the projects he helped develop.

All the seriousness at work gave way to a goofy, silly acting man around family and friends.    

He loved reading.  He was always in a book where the average person would have difficulty grasping the first page.  He loved studying the Christian bible and read it many times through.  He was involved with various ministries within the churches he attended, but he loved the children’s bus ministry the most.  He had a love for people who were hurting and would give the shirt off of his back if he could.  He loved playing Frisbee football and being in nature.  He enjoyed Samuel Adams beer and hot, hot peppers.  Like Ghost peppers. He held several black belts in martial arts and had a very fast 1 mile run time.

In 2006, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma.  After going through chemo and all the treatments, it took the life out of him.  He never fully recovered.  Never fully gained his strength or health.  He was given 10 years to live, yet he lived for 20 years.

Yes- cancer took him down.  But he is free from all the pain now.  He will be missed, no doubt.  He resided in Melbourne, Florida with his family.

He is preceded in death by his dad.  He is survived by his wife (Kelly) of 41 years, 3 daughters, 6 granddaughters with one on the way, Mom, two brothers (John and Ted), and his “puppy” dog that he loved.

Goodbye for now Stephen.  We will see you on the green grassy hill…