Obituary of Russell Thomas Zellner

Russell Thomas Zellner was born on June 5, 1934 in Dooly County, Georgia to the Parents of Miles Zellner Jr and Susie Kate Zellner.

Russell passed on December 25, 2022 surrounded by Dorothy Zellner Mullen and family in Hillside, New Jersey.

During his youth he attended Elementary School in Unadilla, Georgia and graduated from Houston County School in Perry, Georgia in 1953. Russell attended Big Poplar Springs Baptist Church, in Hawkinsville, Georgia. 

Russell enlisted in the United States Army, in Fort Jackson, South Carolina in January 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957. 

After returning to Perry, Georgia, Russell drove heavy equipment trucks. Russell married Ruby Turner on December 21, 1957. They later moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey where he joined Liberty Baptist Church and then St. John Church of Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he sang in the choir.

Russell enjoyed riding motor cycles, playing the harmonica and loved cooking. 

In New Jersey, Russell drove the city bus for NJ Transit. He then returned to truck driving and worked for Paul’s Trucking Company until he became disabled in 2006.

Preceding Russell in death was his wife of 54 years, Ruby Turner Zellner(Dec 25,2011), parents, Miles and Susie Zellner, brothers, Walther  Washington, Forris Zellner(Vernice) and Sister Rujean Stroud (Aug 2022).

Left to mourn Russell’s passing are his sisters Bernice(Charlie Grace) of Peach Tree Corners, Ga., Dorothy Mullen of Hillside, N.J. and Martha Thornton of Columbus, Georgia.  and Aunt Estella Coley Fudge, Rochester, N.Y., Sister-in-laws, Johnnie Kate Washington and Lucille Turner.  A host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.  Special nieces, Andrea Mullen, Lytanda Zellner, Gina Martelly,  Nephew Sheldon Grace and sister Dorothy Mullen who faithfully cared for him.  Thanks to Caregiver Lucy, Sha, Arthur and  others.  Friends for Life, ML and the Mobley Family, the Erylina Griggs Family and the Fudge Family.