February 12, 1971 - December 25, 2025

With hearts full of love and profound sorrow, we remember and celebrate the life of Russell "Russ" Lewis, who passed into eternal life on Christmas morning, a day that so perfectly reflected the joy, love, and magic he brought to his family and everyone who knew him.

Russ was born on February 12, 1971, in Bay City, Michigan, to his loving parents, Roy and Jan Lewis. He grew into a devoted husband, a cherished son and brother, a proud and loving dad and stepdad, and a man whose kindness, loyalty, and unmistakable sense of humor defined him. Russ was charming, easygoing, endlessly lovable, and truly loved by everyone. He was, quite simply, one of the "good guys."

A graduate of Pinconning High School, Class of 1989, Russ was crowned Prom King and was known as an amazing basketball player. Basketball was a lifelong passion, and he often joked that he should have gone pro — and anyone who saw him play knew there was truth behind the humor. An exceptional all-around athlete, Russ's competitiveness and drive showed up in everything he did.

Following high school, Russ furthered his education at Ferris State University before entering the Boilermakers Local 169 apprenticeship program, where he built a respected career working throughout the Midwest. For more than a decade, he was employed by Barton Malow as a Senior Superintendent, a role in which he took immense pride. His crowning professional achievement - and the role he was most proud of - was serving as Senior Superintendent for the Ultium 3 Battery Plant in Lansing, a testament to his leadership, work ethic, and expertise.

On May 24, 2024, Russ was diagnosed with glioblastoma, forcing him to take medical disability from a career he loved. What followed was a battle fought with unmatched bravery and determination. Russ endured radiation, chemotherapy, and three brain surgeries, facing every challenge as an absolute warrior. He never let his family see fear. Not once did he doubt that he would beat this disease - that was simply who he was. Strong, competitive, and relentlessly positive, he fought until the very end.

Russ lived life fully and passionately. He loved snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and spending time in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula - particularly with his brother, Marty, and his dad. Time spent with them at deer camp created some of the best moments. He was always up for an adventure at the spur of the moment. He was the undisputed king of the smash burger, proudly manning his Blackstone grill, and he never said no to a Miller Lite or a Jameson on the rocks.

Christmas held a special place in Russ's heart. For years, he baked hundreds of sugar cookies with his girls, creating traditions filled with laughter and love. His laugh - a deep, belly laugh - could fill a room and instantly make everyone feel at ease. There is a bittersweet irony that he left this world on Christmas Day, the very holiday he cherished and made so special for his family.

Above all else, family was paramount to Russ. He was fiercely proud of his girls and their remarkable softball accomplishments, traveling all over the country to support them from the stands. He never missed a chance to show up, cheer loudly, and be present.

Russ was Julie's protector - treating her like a princess, loving her deeply, and making her life better in every way. He famously earned the title of honorary "wine mom" after crashing the wine moms' girls' weekend at Elk Lake - the weekend he proposed to Julie. They were married on June 18, 2021, sharing four and a half beautiful years of love, laughter, and partnership.

Known for his generosity and willingness to help others, Russ was always busy doing something for someone else - especially his family - his girls and step-children. He was kind, loyal, brave, funny beyond measure, and deeply loved.

Though his illness tore at the hearts of those who loved him, Russ never let it define him. He remained positive, hopeful, and strong, believing with every fiber of his being that he would beat this beast called glioblastoma. He told Julie as recently as last week that he wanted more time. He looked forward to having grandchildren, traveling, and spending time at the lake. They were dreams shaped by love - for family, for togetherness, and for the moments yet to come. Russ is survived by his devoted wife, Julie; cherished daughters, Rachel (Tatum) Lewis and Alison (fiance Jake Jones) Lewis; loving parents, Roy and Janice; step-children, Riley and Erica Laycock; brother, Marty (Andrea) Lewis; nieces, Arah and Addie Lewis, and a dear friend, Kathleen McCabe.

Memorial tributes are suggested to the Musella Foundation for Brain Tumor Research.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington, on Friday, January 2, from 3-7 pm.

Russ's funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday morning, January 3, at 10:00 am (gathering after 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Road, Farmington.

Russ leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, strength, and unforgettable memories. He will be missed beyond words, but his spirit lives on in every smile, every story, every trip up north, and every Christmas cookie baked with love. May he rest in peace.