Payton Charles Russell

As printed in the Garrison News, August 22, 1996

Just Reminiscing by Horace Francis (Garrison School District Superintendent - Retired)

I never volunteered to drive a school bus, but it was not uncommon for a regular driver to be absent at the last minute. I kept a chauffeur’s license and often drove on a temporary basis. I recall driving Route 35 on several occasions. I would drive to Short’s place and turn left down to Lakeland. Mr. And Mrs. Bud Greening lived at Lakeland. I would stop there and unload several students including Payton and Margie Russell and the Greening bunch. This entire family was so pleasant that I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Their coming to Garrison added a great deal to our student body, and I recall them with much pleasure.

Payton Russell was a natural leader and was very popular in high school. His classmates respected him, and he had a positive impact on our entire school system. Mrs. Greening visited my office frequently and assured me of their total support in dealing with their children. She was one of my favorites.

Payton Russell was born April 30, 1938. His dad died when he was 11 years of age, and his mother, Ruby Clifton Russell, married Bud Greening. Payton was the only grade student at Union Springs School which was a one room school. Mrs. Tom Stanaland was the teacher. She enrolled her son, T.D. (Buddy) Stanaland in first grade in December of that year , and he became one of two first graders. The school closed and he then went to school at Pleasant Hill. The family later attended school at Central Heights, moved to Holly Springs and all finished high school at Garrison.

When Payton came to Garrison, he found Margaret Peterson. They dated through high school and while Margaret attended college. They were married on February 17, 1962. Payton became very fond of all his in-laws. He and his brother -in-law , J.L. Kimbrough and the others hurried away from church to see who could get to Mama Peterson’s house first for lunch. Payton and J.L. always donned aprons to help but generally just got in the way.

After graduation from high school, Payton worked for Plus-Tex Poultry and Holbert's Feed Mill which later became Holly Farms.

Payton and Margaret built the home of their dreams where love abounded, and Christianity was the cornerstone. They had two sons, David Wayne who now lives in Nacogdoches and Gary Lynn who lives in Lufkin. The seeds they sowed will bring forth fruit in generations yet to come.

Payton was loved by his family and many friends throughout the county. At his death Margaret received many tributes and condolences from many friends she had never met. Payton had met them in his work and travels. He had the special ability to establish lasting friendships.

Payton was not only loved by his family, but by his classmates and teachers at Garrison High School, and his early demise created a deep sense of loss. I felt a strange urge a few days ago to go back to Lakeland where I had loaded this family on a bus years ago. I couldn't get there from Shorty's place, so I took the Mayo road and came out on the back side. I drove to the site of the Greening household, but nothing looked the same. I found nothing familiar and was terribly disappointed. I don't know what I expected but had a mental picture of Russells and Greenings in a familiar environment. I didn’t find the house, but the mental picture still exists in my mind. I turned and came back to Hwy. 59 and to Garrison. It's no wonder I am so grateful for my years at GHS. Special students and parents made this so.

Payton's family has special memories of him. His sister Margie remembers him as being her daddy, her brother and her friend. His sister Merle says he always tried to make everything right and his favorites phrase was, "Don't worry, it will all come out in the wash." Jean recalls him as her leaning post. His baby sister Doris looked to him as her father figure who was very protective of her. His young brothers were a delight to him, and he enjoyed watching them grow into responsible adults.

Margaret and sons, David and Gary recall watching the Carol Burnett Show. Payton would clown around and mimic Tim Conway as Mr. McGoo. The family simply had a ball together.

I was so pleased to get a note from Payton's son, Gary, in regard to his memories of his dad. These are simply wonderful. Any dad would be proud to be so remembered by a son. I close with some of his remarks:

I was only seven years old when Dad died. Some of my memories are vague, but I recall him as a role model for my brother and me and for other fathers as well. Twenty years later many say he was one of the finest men they ever knew. It’s been twenty years, and I still miss him very much. This truly says something of his greatness.

The only memories I will ever have of my dad will consist of Love, Admiration and Respect.

I thank God that the Russells, Greenings and Petersons came my way to brighten and enrich my life and now to get to know David and Gary. I, too, share in your heritage and your loss. My God's blessing rest upon you and yours.

By Horace Francis