Russell Marvin Johnston Jr., 54, of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, passed away on August 15, 2026, at UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.Russell was born on February 20, 1972 in Louisville, Kentucky to Russell and Barbara Johnston. He graduated from Southern High School and went on to attend the University of Louisville. He began his career with Bemis in Terre Haute, Indiana before later seeking an opportunity that would allow him to be closer to his family. Russell joined Sun Chemical, where he found great joy in traveling, meeting new people, and helping others. He was someone who never met a stranger and took pride in the relationships he built along the way.While Russell accomplished many things throughout his life, his greatest passion and proudest accomplishment was his family. His parents, siblings, wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family meant more to him than anything in this world. There was truly nothing Russell wouldn't do for the people he loved. He was the kind of husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend who gave his whole heart to his family and always made sure they knew they were loved.Russell's love for his family was matched only by his love of sports. His Kentucky pride ran deep. He was a Kentucky Wildcats and Dallas Cowboys fan for life. In 1996, he started a family tradition of attending the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament, a tradition that brought him countless memories and moments with the people he loved most. Though he will no longer be able to attend beside us, we will proudly continue this tradition in his honor, carrying his love for the Wildcats and his love for family with us every year.Russell will be remembered for his generous heart, his devotion to his family, his love of sports, and the way he made the people around him feel. His absence leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. His family will carry his memory forward in the stories they tell, the traditions they continue, and the love he gave them so freely.Russell is survived by his father, Russell Johnston Sr.; his wife, Gena; his children, Justin, Austin, Dallas, Cam'Ron, and Alexis; his grandchildren, Ashton, Khloe, Arieal, Adrian, Nova, and Dallas Jr.; his siblings, Tommy, Dana, and Shannon, and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Johnston, and his sister, Vickie Caswell.Though our hearts are broken by his passing, Russell's love will remain with his family forever. The traditions he started, the memories he created, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on through the people who were lucky enough to call him Dad, husband, Papaw, son, brother, and friend.He was deeply loved, he will be deeply missed, and he will never be forgotten.

Arrangements are pending at this time. Will be posted in the near future.