Russell Kenneth Savage
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Russell Kenneth Savage of Tellico Village, TN passed away at the age of 84 on Saturday June 25, 2022, after a long battle with end stage kidney disease. Russ is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth G. Savage; mother, Lucille P. Savage; and brother, Donald R. Savage. He lovingly adored and is survived by his sons Kenneth (Kathy) Savage of Nashville and Robert (Heather) Savage of Knoxville. Papa cherished his grandchildren, Kathryn and Sarah of Nashville and Mallory, Kyle, Cameron, and Olivia of Knoxville.
Born October 4, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois where he grew up until enlisting in the U.S Navy submarine reserves in 1954 just prior to his graduation from York High School in 1955. After proudly serving his country for 22 years and retiring from the Navy in 1976, he went on to achieve his master's degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and went on to teach high school for several years. He remained in the school system in several Ohio school districts until 1987. Russ ended his official career at Furrow Lumber Company in Cincinnati, Ohio and retired in 1997. In 1998 Russ relocated from Oxford to Tellico Village, TN where he worked with his son as a custom home builder for another ten years.
His ability to touch the hearts of everyone he met will be greatly missed by family and friends. His overwhelmingly positive attitude towards life was infectious to those he came in contact with. Major setbacks such as the loss of his leg and kidneys coupled with countless surgeries did not change his positive outlook on life. Each turn in life just gave him the chance to meet and touch the lives of that many more.
The family would like to thank all his friends in Tellico Village for making his golden years wonderful. A special thank you to the men of the Workman golf group that filled his days on the course and evenings with dinner and laughter, and to his ex-wife Kathy (George) Bertko for staying in his life and becoming an even better friend till the end. Lastly to the health care specialists that guided him through the obstacles in life, we thank you all for your compassionate care.
A Gathering for his Celebration of Life will take place on July 16th from 12-4 pm at the Yacht Club in Tellico Village.
Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of his career in the SILENT SERVICE of the U.S. Armed Forces of which he was so proud.
RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP, DAD. YOUR SERVICE IN THIS LIFE IS OVER. YOU WILL BE FOREVER MISSED.