On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Russell Evert Johnson, 81, affectionately known as Russ, went from labor to rest and left Earth peacefully after a long illness at his home in Calabash, NC.
Russ was born on April 1, 1942, in King and Queen County Virginia to the late Dorothy Lee Johnson and Lemuel Evert Johnson. Russ was baptized at Jerusalem Baptist Church at an early age and played musical instruments; his favorite being the guitar. In addition to music, Russ was an avid athlete and was on the varsity tennis team at Spingarn High School, in Washington, DC. He graduated in 1960. His athleticism served him well when he enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101 st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. After his service in the Army, Russ returned to one of his hobbies that he enjoyed with his father, fixing cars. That passion afforded him a distinguished career as a service technician and eventually becoming a service manager at numerous well known DC-area car dealerships, including Chevy Chase Chevyland (now Chevy Chase Acura) and Columbia Pontiac-Oldsmobile. Russ’ charm and wit allowed him to build strong friendships and his peers admired his work ethic.
He met the love of his life, Elene (née, Kavakos) and the two married in 1978. They enjoyed music, traveling, water sports; including boating, water-skiing, and entertaining friends and family whenever they had a chance down at “The Lake.”
In his retirement, Russ looked forward to his daily golfing outings with his friends from the American Legion in Calabash, NC.
Russ was preceded in death by his father, Lemuel; mother, Dorothy; mother-in-law Agnes C. Lifka, brother-in-law Carl “Sonny” Hoffman, Jr. and his dogs he raised with his wife: Heidi, Billy and Sugar.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Elene; sister, Mary Smith, sister-in-law Nancy Hoffman; aunt Joan Johnson; a special niece Deidre Smith; and a host of cousins, family, friends, colleagues, and caring neighbors.
The family would like to thank the medical professionals who cared for Russ during his extended illness. Your professionalism and care made his final days just as peaceful and comforting as he was with others throughout his life.
4 Comments
Russ was a wonderful person inside & out.I have so many fond memories of Russ, especially when he tried to teach my husband had to play gold…Priceless. Russ & Elene were our close friends, Russ will be truly missed.
I have such fond memories of my Uncle Russ along with my Aunt Elene growing up in Maryland. They had a 2nd home at Lake of the Woods Virginia. I went many times in the summer there and would go on their boat. They taught me how to water ski. We had so much fun !! Uncle Russ was a great man who was soft spoken and was like a 2nd Father to me. My heart hurts knowing he is no longer with us but I know that my Dad “Sonny” Carl Hoffmann (past away 5 months ago in January) was waiting to welcome him in heaven. You will be missed and the memories of you will live on in my heart forever. May you rest in peace 💙Aunt Elene, I’ll always be here for you. My sincere heartfelt condolences ❤️❤️❤️Love, Keith Hoffmann
file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/df/15/12A46E70-7865-467B-AD91-A6E18936C2D1/IMG_0248.PNG
Our heartfelt 💜 sympathy to you Aunt Elene for the passing of your beloved husband Russ. Uncle Russ was one of a kind. He was kind hearted, nice and a true gentleman. I enjoy hearing the beautiful stories of Keith’s childhood memories of you and Uncle Russ. He will be sorely missed ! Aunt Elene, please know that even though we live miles apart 🌵 🌞 we are just a phone call away. May God be with you always and may the cherished memories you shared bring you comfort during your time of sorrow ✝️ Much love 💗 Angie Hoffmann
Add Condolence Message