Otto Manning Russell Jr.

Otto Manning Russell, Jr., 77, of Moncks Corner, husband of Imogene Tallon Russell, passed away Friday, February 13, 2015, at his residence.

Otto was born on June 30, 1937, in Moncks Corner, son of Otto M. Russell Sr. and Sarah Edens Russell Walsh.

He was a graduate of Berkeley High School. Upon completion of high school, he began working with his father Otto M. Russell Sr., in the family business, Russell Timber Company. Soon after his father’s passing, he moved to Summerville to work with Parks Funeral Home. After several years, he decided to pursue a career in the funeral profession. He attended and graduated from Gupton -Jones College of Mortuary Science in Dallas, Texas. Following graduation he and Imogene returned to Summerville, for him to continue to work for Parks Funeral Home for five more years.

Otto and Imogene (with their children, Kyle and Karen) moved back to their childhood home of Moncks Corner. They established their own funeral home, Russell Funeral Chapel, in 1968, with the help and support of family and friends.

Otto was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Moncks Corner where he had served as Deacon and Elder. He was a longtime member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, and served as a member of the State Board of Funeral Service on which he served as President 1987 thru 1988.

He was a life member of Berkeley Lodge Number 269 AFM and was very active in community and civic activities. Among others, he served as President of Moncks Corner Jaycees, Moncks Corner Lions Club, and Moncks Corner Rotary Club (where he was a Paul Harris Fellow).

Throughout his life he conquered many life threatening illness and accidents. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Otto was passionate about his profession, which was serving the people he loved and his community with dignity and respect.

Surviving are his wife, Imogene Tallon Russell; son- Kyle Manning Russell and his wife, Michele, of Pinopolis; daughter- Karen Mae Russell, of Moncks Corner; 6 grandchildren- Allison Nicole Swartz; Bridgette Ariail Swartz; Catie Rose Swartz; Dayna Lee Swartz; Luke Manning Russell; and Mark Tallon Russell; 4 great grandchildren-Bailee, Leah, Tallon, and Tristan ; sister- Sarah Russell Stelling and her husband, Rocky, of Kiawah; brother in-law, Robert Marion Tallon and his wife, Linda, of Cary, N.C.; step brother- Doctor Norman E. Walsh and his wife, Marcy, of Summerville; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother- Charles A. Russell.

His funeral service was held in First Presbyterian Church of Moncks Corner, Monday afternoon, February 16, 2015 at 1 o’clock. Interment followed in Biggin Cemetery, directed by Russell Funeral Chapel of Moncks Corner.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Moncks Corner Youth Building Fund, 419 West Main Street, Moncks Corner, S.C. 29461.

A memorial message may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.russellfuneralchapel.net.