Russell Eugene McNealy

Russ McNealy (1934-2025)

Russell Eugene “Russ” McNealy, 90, of Farmington, NM passed away on January 23rd, 2025.

Russ was born September 6th,1934 in Smith Center, KS to Ralph and Edna (Smith) McNealy. During his childhood, the family moved to Colorado and ended up settling in Pueblo where Russ grew up and graduated from Centennial High School in 1952. On March 5, 1955 he married Marlene Ring and they had three children Coralee, Doug and Russell. Russ worked for JJ Newberry and was frequently transferred, living in 7 different states over the years as they raised their children. In 1969, they moved to Farmington to open Britts department store at the Palmer Plaza Mall. Farmington was their home for the rest of his life, and he was an active and respected member of the community. He was incredibly hard working and was held in high regard by those that worked with him. He was involved in the Rotary Club and served as a deacon at Emmanuel Baptist Church for many years. His faith was very important to him and he was active in many churches over the years wherever they lived, and belonged to RiverStone Church in recent years. Russ loved gardening and will always be remembered for the beautiful roses he grew every summer. He was kind, optimistic and determined, even after he lost his sight, he never let it stop him from doing the things he loved like visiting with friends and taking walks around his neighborhood. He was truly a special person, to know him was to love him and he will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Edna McNealy, brothers Myrlen McNealy and Ralph McNealy, sisters Thelma Kast, Lavena Bush and Lavona Rudolph, daughter-in-law Cindy McNealy and grandson Spencer Grant. He is survived by his wife Marlene McNealy of Farmington, NM, daughter Coralee (Larry) Grant of Charleston, SC, sons Doug McNealy of Farmington, NM and Russell (Rebecca) McNealy of Albuquerque, NM, sister Barbara Schumaker, grandchildren Brandon Grant, Megan Parmerter, Stuart Grant, Riannon Bradshaw, Michael McNealy, Daniel McNealy, Ben McNealy and Grace McNealy and 14 great grandchildren.

A memorial will be held at a future date, TBD