Tammy Curtis, Publisher
A Highland High School graduate and longtime educator drowned Sept. 6 around 9 p.m. at the 101 Boat Dock on Lake Norfork at Gamaliel in rural Baxter County.
Bryan E. Russell, 65, who spent 32 years in education, including the final nine as the superintendent of the Valley View School District in Jonesboro, died in the incident.
Sgt. Scott Thrasher with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Russell’s drowning and said no foul play is suspected in his death.
At the time of his retirement, Russell said he planned to spend more time at the lake, a place he and his wife, Tricia, dearly loved.
According to Russell’s wife, Tricia, she and her husband were at the lake with another couple. As their pontoon approached the dock, Bryan fell off the back of the boat.
When those aboard the pontoon realized Russell was in trouble, the male friend with the couple jumped into the water to try to attempt to save Russell, who was reportedly a very strong swimmer. The owner of the boat dock donned his diving gear. Divers with the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office and a member of the Northeast Lakeside Fire Department later recovered Russell’s body in about 18 feet of water.
During his lengthy career in education, Russell made many friends throughout north-central Arkansas and was well known in the area.
Russell was also the son of the late Bill Russell, a longtime Hardy barber and familiar figure in the community.
Valley View School District also remembered its longtime mentor and made the following statement on its social media. “Mr. Russell faithfully served our district as Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. Mr. Russell’s years of leadership and service left a lasting impact on our schools, our students, and our community. He was more than an educator and administrator—he was a friend, mentor, and someone countless people knew they could always count on. Away from school, Mr. Russell loved fishing and spending time on the water. But one of his greatest joys was being “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren, Isla and Miles. The time he spent with them was something he treasured deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Trisha; his daughter and Valley View graduate, Nikki; his beloved grandchildren and Valley View students, Isla and Miles; his entire family; and the many friends, colleagues, former students, and community members whose lives he touched. We are deeply grateful for Mr. Russell’s lifetime of service, friendship, and dedication to the Blazer Family and the educational community throughout Arkansas. His impact reached far beyond the classroom, touching generations of students, colleagues, friends, and families. His legacy will live on through the lives he influenced, the relationships he built, and the community he loved so deeply. Mr. Russell’s memory will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
