Timothy "Tim" Linn Russ

Timothy “Tim” Linn Russ, 72, of Lexington, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Born December 7, 1953, in Concord, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Ira Franklin Russ and Joann Upright Russ.

Tim graduated from North Cabarrus High School in 1972. Growing up, he learned how to build by watching his grandfather, developing a skill that became part of who he was and would remain with him throughout his long career with Wise Construction Company. A hardworking man who believed in doing things well, Tim understood the value of working with his hands, figuring things out, and showing rather than telling.

Tim married the love of his life, Debbie Daniels, on May 1, 1982, in Manning, South Carolina, beginning a marriage and life together that spanned more than four decades. Together, they built a family that was the center of his world. His daughters and granddaughter were the great joy of his life, and there was nothing he treasured more than being their dad and grandfather. He loved his sons-in-law, Kyle and Parker, and genuinely enjoyed the time he was able to spend with them. They were not simply the men his daughters married; they were part of the family Tim loved so dearly.

Tim was a man of few words who preferred to teach through his actions. He was kind, hardworking, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. The lessons he gave his family were often found not in what he said, but in how he lived: in the work he did, the things he built, the ways he showed up, and the countless quiet ways he cared for his family.

Tim loved cheering on the Gamecocks and especially loved tailgating with his family. During the Christmas season, he could often be found in the kitchen baking, and he was known for grilling the best bar-b-que chicken. He had a quiet sense of humor and a way of making the people who knew him best laugh, often when they least expected it. These simple traditions and everyday moments were where Tim was happiest: surrounded by the people he loved most.

Tim is survived by his wife, Debbie; his daughters, Ashley Russ Chapman (Kyle) and Marie Russ Smith (Parker); his granddaughter, Anna-Banks Chapman; his beloved dog, Covey Bees, and granddogs, Ollie, Sullivan Fitzgerald, Huntley, and Poppy Lee; his brother, Mark Russ; his favorite aunt, Sarah Russ; several cousins whom he loved dearly; and the Langlois family, dear friends who became family.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Joann Russ, and his sister, Debra Tipton.

The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Smith residence, 4510 Mabar Street, Columbia, SC 29206.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Water Mission in Tim’s memory, in support of its work to provide safe water and lasting hope to communities in need.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. T.J. Tipton of Urology Associates of Charleston, Dr. Stephen E. VanHorne Jr. of Lexington Heart and Vascular Center, Dr. Robert S. Eagerton of Eagerton Family Practice, and Dr. Devonne D. Barrineau of McLeod Surgery Clarendon. The extraordinary care, compassion, and love they poured into Tim throughout his journey will be forever remembered by his family.