Russell Bice, 61, known as Russ to most, and Bogger Bice to his closest buddies, made his way to the “Pearly Gates” on March 26th, 2021. He said he wasn’t sure if he would be allowed to enter through the front or if he would have to go around to the side, but one thing is for sure…. he made it just in time for the weekend.
Russell was born on Dec. 9th, 1959 in Gouverneur, New York, to Sonny and Sally Bice.
He attended (barely) Gouverneur Jr./Sr. High School where he competed on the Wrestling team. He claimed he was the one to beat, but could almost never be pinned.
He served in the U.S. Navy and received a General Discharge after realizing that his gypsy soul couldn’t be trapped on a ship for too long.
In 1982, Russell married the “chic from the laundry mat”, Linda, who soon after made him a father to a beautiful little girl who he considered to be his rock. Throughout the years, he made it known to everyone he was proud of and loved his daughter Jessica. He always made sure to tell her she made a good choice when she picked James McDaniel to be her forever. “He is a good egg”, Russ would say.
A proud grandpa is an understatement. Not a day went by that he didn’t brag to someone about how smart and talented his grandson Tre’ was. “That boy is something special, wahhh he has raw talent”, Russell would say.
After separating from Linda, he became quite the ladies’ man and lived life on the wild side, until one day he realized the one who had his heart had been right in front of him the whole time. He settled down with his loving, life-companion, Lorrie. Along with becoming a companion, he also gained the name “Pops” and “Papa”. He loved Michelle, Christina, Karrie, Melissa, and Josh as if they were his own. Before passing he said, “You guys better stick together…. You are sisters”. (Sorry Josh)
Nathaniel, Jeneka, Gabby, and Mackenna made him proud to be their Papa. He enjoyed any time spent with his grandkids.
Russell LOVED his family, Diet Pepsi, and ciggies. He had a blast watching NASCAR, enjoyed hunting and fishing, (or napping in the tree-stand), looked forward to getting a buzz, was the master of the pool table, got worked up when watching sports games, but overall, he just loved living life for the moment.
He was the favorite uncle! From taking “his girls” out on the town, or them taking him to the casino, to helping “his boys” fix whatever needed to be fixed, or just sitting around the fire, he was definitely present.
Russell was always looking to make a quick buck, whether it be convincing someone they could “win her the big one” if they played one more time, helping someone make their visions a reality by remodeling their home, or “turning another man’s junk into his treasure.”
Russ knew he “effed” up and said “I can make a tool to fix just about anything, but I can’t fix this.” (his self). He wanted everyone to know he was sorry, but he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing doctors’ orders, and raising hell for more than 6 decades.
He is preceded in death by his parents Theron and Fern Bice; his life-companion Lorrie McIntosh; his brothers Theron Bice Jr. and Kelvin Bice; his sisters Evelyn Sanders and Michelle Walrath; his nieces Natalie Bice and Jasmine Pankey; and his great-nephew Benjamin Pankey.
He is survived by his brother Nelson Bice (Nancy); his daughter Jessica McDaniel (James); grandson Tre’; his bonus children Michelle Stevens, Christina McIntosh, Karrie McIntosh, Melissa Knapp (Cleon), and Josh McIntosh; his bonus grandchildren Nathaniel, Jeneka, Gabby, and Makenna; his ex-wife Linda Bice; and a slew of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A few Russell lines:
“As long as I owe you, you will never be broke”
“Oh Mylanta!”
“Be good”
“Love you most”
Famous Facebook post: “Hottie Alert”
He was up in the air about having a service because it was a waste of money but we decided to go ahead with it.
Calling hours will be on April 2nd from 5pm-7pm at Greens Funeral Home, in Gouverneur.
Following the service, we will celebrate his life, “Russell style”, listening to some GNR and AC/DC, tipping back a few cold ones, and munching on some food at the Gouverneur V.F.W. We ask that you stop by and re-tell the stories he can no longer tell.