Russell Stout

Russell Forrest Stout, Jr., of Corryton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the age of 86 with his beloved wife of 61 years, Romona (Turley) Stout and his son Robert F. Stout at his side.

Russell was one of six children born in Charlottesville, Virginia, to Russell Forrest Stout, Sr., and Virginia (Guthrie) Stout Shores.  He was preceded in death by his father in 1952, his mother in 2010, and one of his sisters, Ruby Stout Anderson Krueger in 2003.

Russell is survived by his wife Romona (Turley) Stout and his son Robert F. Stout and his wife Shelley (Walker) Stout.  He is also survived by his siblings and other close relatives – Rozine (Stout) Secrist (Pete Secrist), Juanita “Nita” (Stout) Lewis Krueger (Ralph Krueger), Mildred (Stout) Boles Martin (David Shaw), Gordon Blaine “Butch” Stout (Ruby Stout), Kamrin Mixell Stout (Cassidy Jaycocks), Ember Mixell, Rick Turley (Ann Recktenwall), and many nieces and nephews.

Russell grew up in Cartersville, Virginia with many members of his family close by.  Russell was often recalling fond memories and fun times with his siblings and friends growing up. Living in a small town, Russell saw an opportunity to see the world through the armed services.   Russell enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 with the permission of his mother.  He served out his first enlistment term and then headed back to Richmond, Virginia to become a local police officer.  He quickly realized his true calling was serving his country in the Navy and made the decision to re-enlist.  He would go on to serve for a total of 26 years as a Nuclear Power Electrician on eight different submarines rising to the rank of E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer.  While serving his tours of duty in the Navy, Russell was given the opportunity to attend numerous military schools over his 26 year Navy career.  He attended and successfully graduated from the Electricians Mates A & B Schools, Naval Submarine School, Submarine Electrical School, Nuclear Power School, and Nuclear Power Prototype School.  He also managed to find the time and opportunity to attend and graduate Magna Cum Laude from Orlando College with a degree in Business Management.  In addition to his educational endeavors, he proved to be a very decorated member of the Navy during his time of service.  Russell received six Good Conduct Awards, his Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Star, the National Defense Ribbon, two Commanding Officer Citations, and numerous other medals and commendations throughout his service to his country. One of his most coveted prizes from his service in the Navy was his Silver Dolphins.  These are earned by learning every operating system from stem to stern in the submarine and being proficient in their use at any time.  Russell loved his country and was so proud to serve – he was appointed Chief of the Boat (COB) during his time on the USS Trout and was very proud of this accomplishment.  After serving many years in the Submarine Service, Russell proudly served several tours as an extremely successful Navy recruiter.  Russell truly loved his country and faithfully served in her defense.

After leaving the military, Russell embarked on a very long and successful “second” career in the private sector.  He was known as a very dedicated and hard worker and spent time working for companies such as Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, and the Department of Corrections in Orange County, Florida.  He then began working as an over the road truck driver for North American Freight, Southeastern Container, and Penske.  He spent over 20 years with Penske and spent most of that time as a Hiker in both Orlando and Knoxville.  Russell finally retired for the fourth time from this “second” career in 2020 at the age of 83.  Russell loved recalling memories and funny stories from all his careers, displaying a dry sense of humor that many people knew well, but it was during this time that he really began to enjoy several hobbies and activities outside of work.  Russell served as a softball umpire with his son Robert for several years.  It was easy to see his love of baseball – from Rob’s Little League games to the Red’s games he attended in Cincinnati.  He also loved to spend his time fishing, bowling, riding his Harley, and watching Nascar and the “Intimidator” Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He also loved country and gospel music, almost every Saturday night he could be found watching Larry’s Country Diner and the Marty Stuart Show.

Even after leaving the Navy, Russell still found ways to serve others.  He was a Mason in the Eola Masonic Lodge #207 in Orlando, Florida.  He was a 32° Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Valley of Orlando in the Orient of Florida.  He also served as a member of the Camel Herders at the Bahia Shrine of Orlando.  He is a lifetime member of Elks Lodge #2165 in Winter Garden, Florida.  He is also a member of the Eagles Lodge #3559 and American Legion Post #2, both in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Russell will be greatly missed by his family who loved him, his friends who admired him, and the men who served with him that respected him.  So many of his sayings and stories will be missed, but if you know Russell well, you can be sure that he is up there in Heaven using one of his best known quotes, “I’ll make a deal with you.”  The family will have a burial service with full military honors for Russell on Saturday, July 20th at 1:00 p.m. at West Lawn Cemetery in Farmersburg, Indiana.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to one of the following organizations that were very special to him.

Wreaths Across America

The Wounded Warrior Project

The Navy Seal Foundation

The Shriners Hospital