07 LC
25 4710
House
Resolution 147
By:
Representatives Lane of the
158th,
Burns of the
157th,
Parrish of the
156th,
Smith of the
113th,
Carter of the
159th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Honoring
the memory of Coach Erskine "Erk" Russell, expressing regret at his passing, and
designating portions of State Route 26 (U.S. 80) in Bulloch County as the Erk
Russell Highway; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
news of the passing of Coach Erskine "Erk" Russell, late of Statesboro and
Georgia Southern University, is received with deep regret by this body;
and
WHEREAS,
the life led by this distinguished gentleman of 80 years rendered his name dear
to the hearts of his family, his many friends, and fans alike; and
WHEREAS,
Coach Russell received a bachelor´s and master´s degree from Auburn
University where he played football, basketball, baseball, and tennis, earning
ten varsity letters, and he remains Auburn´s last four-sport letterman;
and
WHEREAS,
in 17 years as defensive coordinator for the University of Georgia, Coach
Russell´s tough "Junkyard Dogs" defenses were instrumental in the Bulldogs
winning four SEC titles and one National Championship, and he became synonymous
with Bulldog football; and
WHEREAS,
Coach Russell left the University of Georgia in 1981 to resurrect the Georgia
Southern University football program, where he served as head coach of the
Eagles from 1981 through 1989; and
WHEREAS,
Coach Russell´s remarkable record of 83-22-1 and three Division 1-AA
National Championships at Georgia Southern University established him as one of
America´s winningest coaches, averaging 10.4 wins per season;
and
WHEREAS,
Coach Russell was honored twice as the Kodak-American Football Coaches
Association 1-AA "National Coach of the Year," twice as the Kodak-American
Football Coaches Association 1-AA "Regional Coach of the Year," five times as
"Coach of the Year" by the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, once as the USA Today
Georgia "Coach of the Year," and again by USA Today as Georgia "Coach of the
Decade," as well as receiving many other awards, and he was inducted into the
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1987; and
WHEREAS,
much of the growth and development of Georgia Southern University and the
Bulloch County region have been greatly attributed to the successes of Coach
Russell, and on January 25, 2007, the Statesboro-Bulloch County Chamber of
Commerce posthumously named Erk Russell the "Businessman of the Century";
and
WHEREAS,
he is survived by his wife, Jean Farmer Russell of Statesboro; two sons and
daughters-in law, Rusty and Pam Russell of Statesboro and Jay and Ida Russell of
LaGrange; and ten grandchildren, Brian Faros of Kansas City, Jill Fawcett and
Angie Faros of Frisco, Texas, Audrey and Charlee Russell of Statesboro, Mandy
Russell of LaGrange, Davis Russell of Valdosta, Murphy Russell of Woodstock, and
Henry Hughes and Fred Hughes of LaGrange; and
WHEREAS,
the way Coach Russell lived his life, reflected in his motto "Just Do Right,"
served to influence the morals and ethics of all who knew him, most especially
those who played for him.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that this state
expresses regret at the passing of Coach Erskine "Erk" Russell and honors his
memory by designating State Route 26 (U.S. 80) from its intersection with U.S.
25 in the community of Hopeulikit to the eastern city limits of Statesboro as
the Erk Russell Highway, and the Department of Transportation is authorized and
directed to erect and maintain signs so designating the highway.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the family of
Coach Erskine "Erk" Russell and the Department of Transportation.