Mr. Henry Linton Russell, Jr.

Henry's Journey: Pregame Let there be a man who brings joy to his family, friends and co-workers. 1st Quarter On January 4, 1971, Henry Linton Russell, II, was born to Henry Linton Russell, Sr. and Mavis Russell in Detroit, Michigan. 2nd Quarter In high school, Henry won an achievement for band, football and track. After graduating from Denby High School in 1989, he attended Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. While attending Northwood, he excelled in sports, achieved "All-American" in Track in 1992 and 1993, and played for the Timberwolves football team. In 1993, he won indoor track and field for long jump for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). In 1994, he won the NAIA indoor track All- Conference Award, and placed in the men's outdoor track and field at the NAIA. In 1995, he won the Track and Field All Conference Award and set the record for the long jump of 7.44 meters which he held until 2018. He was profiled in "Who's Who of American Students". He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Northwood, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Half-time Let there be a man who is gifted in coaching youth sports’ teams. 3rd Quarter On October 23, 1999 Henry married the love of his life, Ericka Pickett. During their marriage of nineteen years, they were blessed with two amazing sons: Henry III, and Brandon. He was a doting father, amazing husband and nothing compared to the love he had for his family, who became the center of his world. 4th Quarter Henry enjoyed sports and athletics. As an avid golfer, he was listed in BLAC Magazine's top golfers and Palmer Park’s 2013 Club Championship. He could be found at the gym, or running in races including the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Henry shared his love for sports with his sons and coached their various sports teams, including: soccer, football, track, baseball, and basketball. He coached the Motor City and Mustang Track teams in long jump. He was the Assistant Coach on the 2015 Freshman Vikings Football team, Head Coach of the Freshman squad in 2016, and joined the NFWB Vikings Board of Directors as the Director of Fundraising. Coach Russell ran up and down the sidelines following various plays, encouraging and motivating the young players. Coach Russell led the JCC 12 U basketball team to the Championship in 2018. He even formed his own basketball team called the Russell Elite. Henry was a hard worker, worked as a salesperson at Enterprise Car Rental and ended his career as an enrollment counselor at his Alma Mater, University of Phoenix where he shared a special bond with his co-workers. Championship Award On March 5, 2019, Henry II joined his Lord and Savior in heaven where he reunited with his parents, Henry Linton Russell, Sr. and Mavis Russell.

Mr. Henry Linton Russell, Jr.

January 4, 1971 - March 5, 2019