Russell MacDonald Johnson

Russell MacDonald Johnson, 88, of Live Oak, Florida, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Haven Hospice’s Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City following a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

A native and lifelong resident of Live Oak, Russell was a standout athlete at Suwannee High School. He was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs ’basketball team and a member of the 1955 football team that won the Northeast Conference Championship. He was inducted into the Suwannee Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

Russell gave generously of his time to Live Oak. He stayed devoted to Bulldog football long after graduation, as a member of the Suwannee High School Quarterback Club for more than sixty years and its president in 1972. He spent countless hours refereeing local sports. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and of the Live Oak Elks Lodge.

Russell served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, before returning home to his family in Live Oak with an honorable discharge.

He worked for Florida Power & Light for sixteen years. During that time he also took over operation of the Alimar theatre to help support his wife’s family business. He and his wife opened Johnson’s RadioShack electronics store and ran the business together for 41 years. Russell was an innovator who took pride in bringing new technology to his community.

Known as a student of life, Russell could fix just about anything. He was a mentor to many and set an example of good character and clean living for young adults around his children. He didn’t go looking for conversation, but he was a great listener and a wonderful storyteller. He loved to pick, to joke, and to make someone laugh every chance he got.

Russell loved fishing, camping, and spending time with his family and his pets. He caught many prized bass and specks from the family pond. His favorite meal was a simple one: a steak from the Suwannee Pack butcher shop cooked at home, with mashed potatoes, cornbread, and yellow squash.

Above all, Russell loved his family and was happiest surrounded by his family and friends. He found great joy in celebrating their successes and was always there to cheer them on.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mildred Johnson; his son, Russell “Russ” Johnson II; granddaughter Jaime Loving; his brother, Thomas Johnson; and his sisters, Rachel (Maxine) Hayes and Eloise Benner.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Roylyn Johnson of Live Oak; three daughters, Debra Johnson of Wellborn, Florida, Paula Faust of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Janis (Bill) Brothers of Live Oak; one brother, Larry Johnson of San Francisco, California; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, with Rev. Ken Johnstone officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Live Oak, FL or to the Florida Elks Children’s Therapy at https://web.charityengine.net/floridaelks-

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Please keep his family in your prayers today and the days ahead.