Michael E. Russell

Michael Edward Russell, age 73 of Spring Branch, TX, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2021. Michael, son to Edward and Dorothy Russell, was born near and grew up in Pittsburg, TX. Growing up in the farm life of East Texas, Michael ran a milk route delivering milk for the family dairy business. Upon graduating Pittsburg High School, Michael ventured to Austin, TX, where he met the two loves of his life—his wife, June Sharon Russell, and the University of Texas Longhorns. Michael proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from St. Edwards University.
Michael’s affinity for technology may have been borne in his engineering education, but was further cultivated in a career beginning with General Dynamics in Fort Worth, TX, working on the F-111 and continued with Texas Instruments until his professional dream of working for Hewlett-Packard would be fulfilled. In October of 1976, Michael began a 29-year career with HP which consisted of engineering positions that paved the way for his “accidental profession” as a project and program manager. Michael fondly recalled his leadership of the Starbucks rollout of in-store WiFi. After retiring from HP, Michael spent several years leveraging his PMP-certified expertise to lead projects for Dell.
In 2006, Michael and June Sharon were able to seize upon their long desire of returning to the Texas Hill Country where they lived in Austin while building their dream home just north of Canyon Lake in Spring Branch, TX. Michael spent the last 13 years fervently enjoying the beautiful sunrises and sunsets from the back porch facing Twin Sisters thru the Texas Live Oaks. Over the last decade, Michael found great joy in the real estate business helping others achieve their aspirations for life in the hill country. Michael’s life journey would be incompletely summarized without also sharing his perseverance thru alcoholism which included receiving his chip for 37 years of sobriety just this October. Michael was a friend to many in support of their endeavors to better themselves.
Left to cherish Michael's memory are his wife, June Sharon; sister Diann Anderson and husband, Randy; son Michael Kristoffer Russell and wife, Nicole; son Jeffrey Russell and wife, Carrie; niece Amanda Reid and husband, John; niece Angela Cruce and husband, Jesse; grandchildren, Austin and Adyson Russell, Jessica and Dallas Riney, and a host of other dear family and friends. Michael was a devoted and loving husband, father, and companion to all who he met. Michael will be dearly missed and his memory will live on in the wonderful people he inspired.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to the American Lung Association @ https://www.lung.org/. A Celebration of Life for Michael will be held on November 13, 2021, with details to follow for friends and family under separate cover.