I cant express how much we will miss him., Hermans spirit permeated the community. The brilliant construction and real estate magnate passed away at age 83 much like he lived quietly, and leaving behind an enviable legacy and vast business portfolio that spellbinds his contemporaries and legions of admirers alike. Im always confused on occasions like this, Young said. He most notably founded H.J. Joseph Lowery said he saw Russell during former President Bill Clintons recent visit to Atlanta before the Nov. 4 election, and that Russell said he was not feeling well. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of us, and he lived a great life.. All rights reserved. Not satisfied with Majors answer, Russell told him: Go back inside and find something to do. Real estate and property development had always been at the core of the Russell companies, but the unpredictable real estate market created enough concern for the company to look at other areas. And at the last meeting in our conference room, I proposed to name the joint venture: Holder-Russell. The previous decades introduction of the requirement of including minority-owned subcontractors with companies seeking city contracts resulted in a new decade of continued growth and the recognition of the visionary leadership of Herman J. Russell in Atlanta and beyond. In 1994 Russells construction businesses were reorganized under H. J. Russell and Company. No words can express the depth of our sorrow as we remember Mr. H.J. Herman Russell had a major impact on many of. Herman said, Vernon, do not speak all day. Under the leadership of the Russell siblings, the first decade of the new millennium started with a bang. Herman did twice, Perry said. Atlanta Loses Business Giant, Civic Leader and - The Atlanta Inquirer Tags: Ambassador Andrew Young, atlanta city council president ceaser mitchell, civil rights movement, Congressman John Lewis, Herman J. Russell, Mayor Kasim Reed. PDF citycouncil.columbiasc.gov 'New Atlanta's Founding Father' Herman J. Russell Dies 1968: Is awarded HUD housing contracts in the Southeast and the Equitable Building. Updated Nov 17, 2014, 3:50pm EST. Russell was only 12 years old when he founded his shoeshine business. Here is a 60-second trailer of the film. There was no one as cheap as H.J., Egbert Perry, a business protege, said to great laughter and nods from attendees at the Saturday funeral. Turnout was so large that the church directed traffic to two overflow parking lots to handle the crowds that kept coming even after services had begun. Thinking of her father, Donata Russell abbreviated her comments saying he wouldnt want people to spend their whole day at the church because they have lots of things to do.