Russell Andrew Fooks Sr.

The Life of Russell A. Fooks Sr. Russell Andrew Fooks, Sr. was born in Salisbury, Maryland on January 1, 1947, to the late Hilman and Mary Fooks. He took his eternal rest on Monday, May 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. After receiving his formal education in the Wicomico County School District, Russell graduated in the Class of 1966 from Salisbury High School. Upon completion of high school, he continued his education at Maryland State College, now known as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). Drafted into the United States Army National Guard 198 th Signal Co., Russell served honorably for six years. He later went on to further his education and pursue his career in the Funeral Business, graduating from Kentucky School of Mortuary Science on March 2, 1969, in Louisville, Kentucky. After Mortuary School, he became a self-employed Funeral Director in Sharptown, Maryland. For more than thirty (30) years, he served with excellence as a member of the Funeral Directors Association. Russell was employed with Bennie Smith Funeral Home for many years. Throughout the years he trained, mentored, nurtured and took many under his wing. His knowledge, expertise and professionalism were unselfishly shared and his attention to detail was impeccable. A generous, legendary man, Russell was willing to serve whomever, acknowledging his obedience to God. He recognized his calling at a young age. As a faithful member of Mills Memorial Baptist Temple, Russell served on the Trustee Board and loved every minute of it. He had a huge heart and was gifted with hands that served throughout the “Eastern Shore” and beyond. The legacy he has left behind will continue to have an impact with his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched. Russell leaves to cherish everlasting memories: his wife, Betty McCoy-Fooks of sixteen (16) years; his children, Orlando Fooks of Atlanta, Georgia, Lynette Drummond and Gabrielle McCoy, both of Salisbury, Maryland, Russell Fooks, Jr. (Tasha) of Delmar, Delaware and Marcus Fooks of Salisbury, Maryland; seven grandchildren, Bre-Asia, Anton, Thomas, Lakerra, Ahlayah, Devion, and Nyla; four great-grandchildren, Cke-Arii, Cka’vah, Cka’Vyn, Ck’Artier; one brother, Roger (Australia) Fooks of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters, Sylvia Hayes and Fannie Johnson, both of Salisbury, Maryland; one godson, Jerry Holbrook of Princess Anne, Maryland; one goddaughter, Jessica Hayes-Finger of Washington, DC; two sisters-in-law, Mary Savage of Salisbury, Maryland and Doris Fooks of Mardela Springs, Maryland; his church family at Mills Memorial Baptist Temple of Salisbury, Maryland; all the Bennie Smith Staff (Maryland, Delaware and Virginia); three special friends, Bennie Smith, John Prince and Reverend William Ward; his beloved niece, Phyllis Savage-Morris and two amazing nephews, Howard Savage and Robert Fooks, Jr., all of whom assisted in his care and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Russell Andrew Fooks Sr.

January 1, 1947 - May 13, 2024