Russell Scales Obituary

Russell G. Scales peacefully passed away on December 23, 2025 in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was 77. Born on July 31. 1948, in Montclair, NJ, he was the eldest son of the late David B. Scales and the late Elizabeth Tuttle Scales of Little Falls, NJ.

Russ attended Passaic Valley High School (Class of '67) where he was known for his athletic abilities. He was a varsity football and track star. It was here, under the mentorship of Passaic Valley High School Hall of Fame football coach Steve Gerdy, that he developed his lifelong passion for football which would shape his entire life.

He earned an athletic scholarship to East Carolina University where he played football from 1969-1971. East Carolina gave him the chance to play football in purple and gold and meet his future wife, Joanna. They attended football home games, away games and bowl games for over 50 years together with their dear college friends and Russ' forever football brothers. After college, Russ received a National Defense Service medal for serving in the Army National Guard.

Russ was a fiery red head, type A personality, and overachiever to the max. He had the highest sense of integrity and a huge heart. He approached life with the leadership, discipline, work ethic, and drive to win that he learned on the football field. He did everything at 110%. He never quit. These principles would lead him to a long, successful business career serving as President and/or CEO of several companies.

A true people person, he was loved by everyone he met. A man of faith, devoted husband, father, grandfather ("Pop"), uncle and friend, Russ loved his family and gave them everything. He was always there when you needed him. He instilled the values of family, respect, work ethic and commitment to his children and grandchildren.

Russ had two favorite places on earth. His childhood summers were spent on the Little Peconic Bay in Sag Harbor, NY. Later he enjoyed living at The Point in Emerald Isle, NC. He loved clamming, and was famous for sharing his fresh clams with his neighbors and friends. He loved life at the beach with his family and boat.

Russ' legacy (GO PIRATES!) will forever live on in the hearts of those who survive him, including his wife of 54 years, Joanna; three children he was so proud of, Elizabeth Scales, Jessica Scales Jones (JJ), Russ Scales (Priscilla); three brothers David (Judy), Jonathan, and Mark (Chrissy); five grandchildren, Ragen, Carly, Austin, Abbey, and Parker; and many other loving family members and friends.

Services to celebrate Russ will be planned at a future date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Russell G Scales to the Wooten Family Initiative for Brain Health Research at East Carolina University Brody Medical Center. Donations support research related to brain health, specifically Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Donation Page

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