Russell L. Deal

Russell L. "Rock" Deal, 73, of Floral City, Florida, was peacefully called home on October 14, 2011, with his family by his side in Gainesville, Georgia.

He is survived by his children, Theresa Jones (Doug), Daniel Deal (Janna), their mother, Bonnie Sherrill, and grandchildren, Justin, Tess, Nathan, Austin, Makenna and Caleb. Also surviving are his brothers, Donald (Pat), Ronald, Walter (Peggy) and sisters, Helen Prater, Ruby Stockel and Janice Durspek (Allen).

Russell was born and raised in Owensville, IN with 13 brothers and sisters and moved to Florida in 19+57 and later started Deal Brothers Masonry with Ronald. He enjoyed keeping stats for anything and put those skills to use keeping the records for many different bowling leagues. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, watching baseball and B-grade western movies. Russell loved watching his grandchildren play sports. Russell was an active member of Central Christian Church and faithfully served on several different committees. His grandchildren were his inspiration and motivation to continue his fight against cancer. We were all influenced by his daily walk with Christ; he touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at Central Christian Church, 6161 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg, on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 5:00 pm. There will be a gathering with light refreshments in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

(As Published in the St. Petersburg Times on October 19, 2011)

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com