Russel D. Johnson Sr.

In today's society, material possessions tend to be a benchmark to measure a man's success. Too many times, the simpler qualities in people, such as dedication to family and hard work are easily overlooked when judging a man's character. Russel Delano Johnson, Sr. was not consumed by material gains in life but by the personal satisfaction of putting his family and friends first and doing the best job that he could in whatever he was doing. He was a great father and friend to everyone.

The year 1936 saw a mixture of events in our history. The "Green Hornet" radio show debuted and President Franklin Roosevelt rededicated the Statue of Liberty on its 50th anniversary. Sports fans in Detroit, Michigan were enjoying winning seasons by both their football and baseball teams. The Detroit Lions ended with an 8 - 4 season while the Detroit Tigers sported an 83-71 season. John and Mary Johnson were living in Detroit in 1936, and were winding up a "season" of their own. Mary had given birth to three children, but baby Dolores had died at birth. She and John were raising a son, Len and a daughter, Ruth, and Mary was expecting child number four. On November 12, 1936, a second son was born, a son they named Russel Delano Johnson.

Russel spent his childhood in the Detroit area and when not in school, he and his family would go to his aunt's farm in Belding during the summer. He also had fond memories of hunting and fishing with his father. Russel was especially close to his sister Ruth, a bond that has endured for 68 years.

Russel graduated from Central High School in Detroit in 1955. Right out of high school, the young man joined the Army, where he served three years and achieved the rank of Sergeant. While in the Army, Russel went to Washington, D.C., where he met a young lady named Mary Catherine Oliverio. Mary Catherine was working for the government at the time, and after dating for a while, the couple was married on January 25, 1958.

Russel and Mary Catherine were eager to have a family of their own, and over the next several years, they welcomed the births of four wonderful children - Catherine, John, Russel Jr., and Joseph. Russel taught his boys how to hunt and fish, much like his own father had.

Russel was now out of the service and anxious to get into business for himself. Knowing that an education could mean a better job, Russel went back to school and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business from Wayne State University, graduating in 1961. Russel had a lifelong dream, and that dream was to own his own bar. Working hard at various jobs to earn the money and with family help, Russel was finally able to achieve that dream when he bought his first bar, called the S & A, in 1974. In 1976 he purchased his second bar in Canton, Michigan, The Rusty Nail Lounge. In those days Canton was not much more than a two-lane road, which had a Meijer's, and...The Rusty Nail Lounge. The Rusty Nail was like a family to Russel and his employees. He was a wonderful boss and treated everyone fairly and generously. In return, the employees were very loyal to Russel and most have been there long-term. A very knowledgeable businessman, Russel had a strong business sense, and the bars flourished. In 1978, he sold the S & A. By 1986, however, Russel was ready to purchase a third bar, one called Gatsby's that is still run by his family. His son John runs the Rusty Nail Lounge. Russel stepped back from the businesses about 10 years ago but never really retired.

With a little more time on his hands, Russel developed some new interests and was able to indulge some of the old interests. He taught himself how to do woodworking and made many items for friends and family. He was most proud of the furniture he made for his children. He enjoyed doing the crossword puzzles in the paper and checking the daily stock market reports. Although he really wasn't a gardener, he did take pleasure in working in his flower gardens. He liked Swarovski crystal and had collected several pieces. He loved sports, and was a big fan of the Detroit teams - win or lose. He played fantasy football and basketball and also watched NASCAR races on television. He loved to argue politics with anyone who would listen. Even though he had strong opinions, Russel was always willing to listen to the opinions of others.

Through his business interests, Russel had been a long time member of the Canton Chamber of Commerce. He developed an interest in computers a few years back, and like the woodworking, taught himself what he needed to know. Up to date on all the different music styles people were listening to, Russel would download the latest tunes to play at the bar. He knew what his customers wanted.

Russel Johnson did what he wanted to do. He lived his life on his terms, and those terms included being a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He dearly loved his family and was always there for them, no matter what.

Russel was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Johnson, his brother Len, and his baby sister Dolores. He is survived by his children: Catherine (Jack) Deakins, John (Amy) Johnson, Russ Jr. (Kathleen) Johnson and Joseph Johnson; his sister Ruth (Ralph) Dixon and his seven precious grandchildren, Jonathan Samantha, Tamara, Matthew, Emily, Sydney and Cameron. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-9 PM at the McCabe Life Story Funeral Home, Canton Chapel, 851 Canton Center Road. The funeral will be Monday at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Please visit Russel's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution.