Merrill "Bo" Lee Russell Jr.

Merrill Lee Russell, Jr., affectionately known as “Bo,” a resident of Okinawa, Japan, and formerly of Spencer, North Carolina, triumphantly entered the Gates of Heaven on January 5, 2026, after a long-persevering battle with Parkinson’s disease. Bo was born on January 15, 1951, in Albemarle, North Carolina, and was one week shy of his 75th birthday. He was the son of the late Merrill Lee Russell and Rena Blalock Russell. He graduated from North Rowan High School in 1969, where he served as student body president and became a legendary state champion wrestler. Bo earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western Carolina University, continuing his success as a collegiate wrestling champion. Following his retirement from the United States Marine Corps, he received a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Bo lived a life defined by his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, as well as his strength, integrity, resilience, and passion. He proudly served his country and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. He later became Senior Pastor at Koza Baptist Church in Okinawa, where his leadership was instrumental in the relocation and construction of the new Koza Baptist Church in 2008. This work was his greatest JOY unto the Lord. Meticulous by nature and driven by vision, Bo approached every venture with creativity and integrity, earning him the admiration of those who worked and served alongside him. It was a profound honor to him to serve and minister with Americans and the Okinawa Christian community and fellowship. A gifted artist, Bo leaves behind a beautiful gallery of artwork for others to appreciate and admire. He also loved history, sports, research, writing, and engaging conversation, always marked by his wit and sense of humor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Rita Ammons. Bo shared more than 54 years of marriage with his wife, Betty, his high school sweetheart. She devoted herself faithfully to his care through the challenges of his illness, loving him steadfastly until the end. Together, they shared a deep love of travel, especially collecting memories in Japan, shared friendships, and gratitude to God for walking life’s journey side by side. They are united in love forever. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty; his son, Daniel of Okinawa, his brother, Todd Russell (Becky); nephews Adam Russell of Salisbury, North Carolina, Rick Ammons (Dana); and Rick’s son, Tristan, of Wesley Chapel, Florida. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Russell family. A celebration of Bo’s life will be held at a later date in Salisbury, North Carolina. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Koza Baptist Church by check, mailed to: Koza Baptist Church 686 Noborikawa Okinawa City, 904-2142 Bo enjoyed beachcombing for sea glass in the Nagahama Bay. Included below is a poem he wrote: LESSON OF THE SEA GLASS From the ocean or shoreline, true sea glass takes time. Tossed through the grit of the sand, at the Master’s hand; Once jagged edges made round, now waits to be found. When facing times that are hard, remember the shard. In that which was once broken, there is a lesson, A truth best not to forget; life’s grit is a gift. In summary of his life, Bo’s words are reflected in 2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the Good Fight, I have finished the Race, I have kept the FAITH…….. All to God’s GLORY. Betty wishes to thank family and friends worldwide for their love and support over the years, and especially toward the end of Bo’s Parkinson’s journey. Your prayers were cornerstones for strength. The Okinawa medical team of doctors and staff were incredible in their compassion and medical expertise, and we are so grateful. Betty wishes to express her heartfelt gratitude to family and friends around the world for their love and support over the years, especially during the final season of Bo’s Parkinson’s journey. Your prayers were cornerstones of strength. She also extends deep appreciation to the Okinawa medical team—doctors and staff—whose compassion and medical expertise were extraordinary, and for which they are so grateful.

Merrill "Bo" Lee Russell Jr.

January 15, 1951 - January 5, 2026