Hi, I am a Brazilian high school student that is searching about Korean education. I quoted an article from mr Donald Russell in my work and found myself into this webpage when searching about his academic life. Just wanted to say that this man was a great and inspiring person. Never saw someone with so many interests in different areas, he was a true scholar. I am pretty sure God has granted him a confortable space in heaven, even though I am not much of a religious person. Hope his family has their hearts secured and in peace. Thank you so much for all the work you have done, rest in peace, sir.

My Dearest Russell, it was a huge shock to me, when I discovered that the reason you are not writing to me, is because you are gone. I feel grateful that you have become, even for a year and two months, a part of my life. Through our communication I realized how kind, emotional and full of love for people, person you were. Just the fact that you're with your beloved Molly now, calms me a little. I want to believe that you are together, you are happy, you hear Hatzidakis and you see us from up there. I miss you very much, Dear Russell. Your Greek friend and sister Evangelia

I didn't know Dr. Bailey for very long, but I owe him one of the best experiences of my life. Dr. Bailey created the scholarship that allowed me to study in Greece last January through Eckerd College. After my trip we met up and exchanged information about our many trips to different places and had kept in touch via email since then. I was heartbroken to hear that he had passed and I wish the best for his surviving family.

It's been close to a month now since Russ passed away and I'm still in shock!!! I'm a North Carolina niece 😉 Russ and I had gotten much closer over the last several years. His mom, my g-ma, Blanche Bailey moved here to NC almost 20 years ago to live with me and my family. Russ adored his mama (his daddy Jack too)!!! He and I would talk often about g-ma, her health and what was going on with her. I was able to get caught back up with "Uncle" Russ 😉 My mom is Vivian Laverne Bailey-Bourn and she's Russ's sister. I'm the oldest of 5 girls and remember well Russ's frequent visits to our house. He ALWAYS brought us books 🙂 I doubt that would surprise anyone 🙂 He gave me my 1st dictionary and taught me the importance of using it! On these visits Russ and mom would get together and play and sing. Russ with a guitar in hand and mom tearing up whatever upright piano we had at the time. Regardless of the years, they were always musically connected like twins! They both wrote music together and separately. Russ was going to make a trip down here to see mom and I, but he never made it 🙁 I have the old upright piano at my house that was at Papa and g-ma's. The last time he was here, g-ma was alive, living with me, mom and the piano 🙂 One of the 1st things he did after he got settled in here was to sit down at that old piano! He was smiling the entire time and that imagine is what will stock in my mind for years to come. RIP Uncle Russ, RIP......

Mom wanted me to clear something up 😉 Russ's dad is Jack Bailey who was born Hardy Wesley Bailey, SR. Family and friends called him Jack for as long as I can remember. Just wanted to clarify that.

I am so sorry to hear of Russ's passing. I worked with him at Atkins Library and he was always encouraging and kind. He was also a remarkably talented musician and entertained the library staff with his original compositions and other performances at various gatherings. He was instrumental in my decision to pursue my library degree and for that, I am forever grateful. May memories of him bring you solace. Peace be with you, Heather Smith