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“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

Russell Frank Goode Jr., 88, a resident of Bogalusa, died on Jan. 14, 2021, at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa, from complications due to COVID-19. Russell “Russ” was born May 15, 1932, in Washington, D.C., the son of the late Russell Frank Goode Sr. and the late Mattie Mae Somers Goode. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bogalusa for 36 years. He served in various capacities in the church, including a Deacon.

Russ served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1955 and was stationed in Korea for a portion of his tenure. He graduated in 1959 from Florida State University with a business degree and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity.

Russ began his 33-year career with the J.C. Penney Company, in Deland, Fla., in 1959, where he met and married his wife of 51 years, the late Betty Crenshaw Goode. Promotions moved Russ and his family to Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina and Louisiana. While employed, he was a member of Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club and United Way.

Russ, along with several other Bogalusa residents, was instrumental in starting the Christmas in the Park in Bogalusa.

He is survived by: two daughters, Denise G. Holley and husband Ira, Lori G. Colley and husband Bill, and one son, Russell F. Goode III and wife Michelle; five grandchildren; Beth Orman and husband Chris, Lauren Davies and husband Chris, Blake Colley and wife Ashley, Drew Colley, and Elise Goode; great-grandchildren, Morgan and Taylor Colley, Luke and Timothy Davies, Burke and Forrest Orman; two sisters, Lois Romano and Jeanie Christopher and husband Jerry; as well as a number of nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Hughey Lene Guht.

He was predeceased by grandson, Blaine Colley.

The family wishes to thank Our Lady of the Angels Hospital staff for their care and compassion shown to Russ and the family members.

The family suggests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Bogalusa, 541 Ave. F, Bogalusa, LA 70427; Nellie Byers Training Center, 640 Ave. V, Bogalusa, LA 70427; or a charity of one’s choice.

Services are inconclusive at this time; however, Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home and Crematory will be in charge of arrangements.