Dock "Too Sweet" Russell, Jr.

03/13/1941 - 07/25/2022

Obituary For Dock "Too Sweet" Russell, Jr.

A homegoing celebration for Mr. Dock "Too Sweet" Russell, Jr. of Talladega, 81, will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Terry's Mortuary Chapel. Minister Roderick Russell will deliver the eulogy. Interment will be in Westview Cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Russell will begin at 11:00 on Saturday prior to the start of the service.

On Thursday, March 13, 1941, in a small community called Scott Station in Marion, Alabama, Dock Russell and Annie Wheeler Underwood Russell welcomed their first son, Dock, Jr. Life in the Black Belt region of Alabama during this time was difficult, so the Russell family decided to leave Perry County with the hopes of a better life in Talladega.

As a child, Dock, Jr. worshipped with his family at Lilly Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Upon his return to Talladega after retirement, Dock frequented many churches in the community.

Dock began his education at Westside School located in the community where his family made their home. He later graduated in 1963 from R. R. Moton High School. After completing his public school education, Dock enrolled at Alabama A & M College in Normal, Alabama. He decided to major in general science and minor in physical education. During his time as a student at A&M, he ran with the track team, trained in gymnastics and served as a drum major with the Marching Maroon & White. Dock soon realized that school was not for him academically, but he still was a big supporter of Alabama A&M College (University).

Dock left Alabama and made his home in Hackensack, New Jersey. He worked in the public works department for the City of Hackensack until his retirement. After retirement, Dock found his way back to Alabama and immediately went to work in his community. He always found interest in politics, government, continuing education and black history. His passion for change and growth in his community led him to become actively involved in the Alabama Chapter of the New South Coalition and College City Lodge #1171.

He leaves to cherish his memories: three children, Ambra Russell of Encino, California, Roderick (Tasha) Russell of Raleigh, North Carolina and Crystal D. Frazier (William β€œTony”) Ringgold of Brooklyn, New York; three grandchildren, Austin Ojogho of Bellingham, Washington, Nia A. (Kijana) Whyte of Orlando, Florida and Ydris (Anaya) Frazier of Hackensack, New Jersey; three great grandchildren, Nala, Kya and Robert; two brothers, Walter (Mary) Russell and David L. Russell; six sisters, Annie Storey, Dorothy Whitsett, Deloise (Eddie) Fikes, Linda Faye (Larry) Brantley, Joyce Babbs and Adrienne Underwood; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.

Mr. Russell was called to rest on July 25, 2022, at Princeton Baptist Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dock and Annie Russell, Sr.; four sisters, Paulette Russell, Peggy A. Hairston, Bettye Sue Jennings and Carolyn Brown; and one brother, James Russell.



Guest Book

Thank You for the Memories!!!

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May the Will and Grace of God help the family endure doing this time of sorrow. TREASURE THE MEMORIES

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My Condolences to the Russell family too sweet as I knew him was actively very inspiring singer to those who knew him. Many performance at the Elks and Craftsman club. One song that comes to mind is Lady in Red! Need I say more? RIP too sweet

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Sending our condolences to the Russell Family. May you forever Rest In Peace. The Manning Family from Hackensack, NJ.

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Sending My Prayers and Condolences to Crystal, Rod, Ambra and the Russell Family on the passing of Uncle Dock "Too Sweet" Russell. Uncle "Too Sweet" as he was affectionately known by our family, was an educated, knowledgeable Street Soldier for Justice and Human Rights for the Black Community. To know him was to Love Him. I have many Great Memories/Conversations about this Wonderful Man we called Uncle Too Sweet and I will cherish them Always! Rest in Power- Helene (Susie) Anderson Paterson, NJ

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To Annie Storey and other family members of my friend, Dock Russell, Jr., My prayers and sympathy go out to you all. Dock gave me the opportunity to read my poetry while on a program with him in downtown Talladega some years ago. I will never forget him for always trying to help, involve and bring people together. May God continue to grant you all the needed strength to endure. Love, Fannie Lewis Barnes

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HONORING THE MEMORIES OF 'too Sweet Dock Russell. Jr." a non-stop inspirational figure wherever he was A WARRIOR NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN!!!! R I P; Vesta Anderson. Ruffin, Jordan, Dauwd, Damon, Kymberley, Erric Anderson HATTISBURG, MS, PATERSON NJ. ATLANTA

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HONORING WITH A HEAVY HEART AND WORDS OF condolences to all DOCK RUSSELL's family; WE KNEW 'TOO SWEET' I THE 80'S AS ANON-STOP, BLCK, E EXCELLENCE, ENTERTAINER AND A EARRIOR FOR WHEREEVER HE LIVED AND WEE LOVED AND RESPECTED IN N.J. NYC. PA AREA!! Vesta Anderson Ruffin,Jordan & Dauwd El, Damon, Kymberley, Aaliyah, AJay Ruffin, Eric Anderson of Hattesburg,Paterson, Atlanta. R.I.P 'TOO; "in him we live, and move. and Exist.

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Praise God for Mr Dock Russell.....condolences and prayers to Minister Rod, Amber, Crystal and entire family! Too Sweet and that camera around his neck will be missed! #DISCOBOBULATE! Blessings From Fran Dillard-Bruce & family!

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Sending my condolences and prayers. I know you will keep your hands in God's unchanging hands.

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Sending my sincere condolences to the family. Rest In Peace "Too Sweet." Nicole Briggs

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Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with all who were touched by Mr. Russell's life. "Too Sweet" will remain in the hearts of many πŸ’œπŸ•ŠπŸ’œ.

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Sincere condolences to the Russell family on the passing of Dock. A great guy. Dennis McNerney, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ

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To Rod and family my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Praying for you and your families strength. Diane James-Hill

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To Rod and family, me and my family are praying for your strength during this time. Dear friend praying

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Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire family. The memories all of Us in this family from loving friendships throughout Our Family and Yoyrs will last a lifetime and will NEVER be forgotten. Sending love from Robert G. Dillard and Family. Rest In Peace Dear Friend!!!

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Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire family. The memories all of Us in this family from loving friendships throughout Our Family and Yoyrs will last a lifetime and will NEVER be forgotten. Sending love from Robert G. Dillard and Family. Rest In Peace Dear Friend!!!

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Extending my deepest sympathy to the Russell family. Keeping you in prayer. My first memories of dot goes back to the time he extended an invitation to me to attend his performance at the square cup there in Talladega Alabama. A true entertainer he was. Beyond being an entertainer he was a true advocate for his community. If they were issues and concerns you would find DOCK present there to either share or gain information. If there were local or statewide meetings in the political field when I would arrive DOCK would already be there. Yes his face and voice is going to be missed around this place. His mission on Earth is completed. It is up to us to keep his legacy alive for it is time for him to accept his Heavenly Rewards. As I would tell him,KHThank You for showing up . Georgia Goodwine Christian

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Condolences My heart is very heavy trying to process this loss. Too Sweet always greeted people with warm smile and generous spirit while always being an unrelenting soldier for civil rights, education, economic power and human decency! A real man for the people. ✊🏽✌🏽 He was and will always be family. Well done good and faithful servant, well done. Rest in peace good brother. πŸ™πŸΎπŸ’ͺ🏾🎼🎀 Sincerely Karyn M LaBerth New Jersey

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My heart is very heavy trying to process this loss. Too Sweet always greeted people with warm smile and generous spirit while always being an unrelenting soldier for civil rights, education, economic power and human decency! A real man for the people. ✊🏽✌🏽 He was and will always be family. Well done good and faithful servant, well done. Rest in peace good brother. πŸ™πŸΎπŸ’ͺ🏾🎼🎀

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My heart is heavy for lossing my cousin. I appreciated your presence at my 50th birthday celebration and the entertainment you provided. A Legend has earned his wings. Love is aent to the children and his siblings. Cousin Renita Underwood-Hackett

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My sincere condolences to the Russell family for their great loss. My memories of 'Too Sweet' performing at Leon's Cocktail Lounge in Hackensack , he really enjoyed his craft and being an active community leader. He will truly be missed and never forgotten. RIHP Sybil Carter and sons

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Condolences

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Sending my condolences

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Gone and never forgotten. You earn your wings. Keeping the Russell Family uplifted in the mighty Name of Jesus. Sending my condolences, Prayers of Comfort. Claudia Russell

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Our condolences to the family, Thank you for always trying to make a difference in the community May you RIP Marion and Darlene Williams and Family Ideal Temple #290 Englewood NJ

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Our Sincere Condolences To Family, Dock WS such a Good Man, I Knew Family Well He always was There For You.. All u had to do was Ask.. He Will Be Greatly Missed.. S.I.P. MY FRIEND..

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Sincere condolences to the Russell Family from the Portee Family

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My condolences to the family. Dock was a wonderful person and my best friend. I am going to miss him. Angela Dickerson Hewlett

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Our sincere condolences to the Russell family. R.R. Moton Alumni Association.

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Sending My Condolences to the Russell Family,during your Time of Loss. God Bless.

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My condolences to your family. My you rest in peace. I remember your pool game was on point your knowledge you gave out was great wisdom and you was a great and respectful lodge brother solidarity Daughter Allicyn Evans from Majestic Temple 215

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Remembering Dock. Earth has no sorrows that Heaven can't heal. Condolences to the entire Russell family. Dock will remain in our memories. We will keep the family in prayer as Dock RIHP. REMEMBER, memories last forever. Helen Millender

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary | Talladega, AL