Former Miller County JP Russell dies at age 97 H.Q. Russell is remembered by friends and colleagues as a gentleman and an honest man. He also enjoyed uniting couples in marriage. The former Miller County justice of the peace, who died Tuesday at 97, performed countless weddings during his years on the Quorum Court and when he returned to private life. "He was very active in marrying people. I think he performed a wedding almost every day," said Jerry Shipp, who served on the Quorum Court with Russell for about 12 years. Shipp described Russell as "dignified, honorable and intelligent," both on and off the Quorum Court. "He looked out for the county ... he was a true southern gentleman. His family's roots run deep in Miller County," Shipp said. Russell was first elected to the Quorum Court in 1976. Texarkana resident Wayne Bryant said he had known Russell all his life. Bryant's father, H.D. Bryant, served with Russell on the Quorum Court. "Our families have always been real close. He was a leader in this community. He was a hard worker and his death will be a great loss to our city," Bryant said. Former Miller County Sheriff Ken Sinyard remembered Russell as an "honest man," who enjoyed gardening and liked giving his vegetables away to friends. "He was a gentleman and he always dressed up when he came to the courthouse. He always wore a suit and tie. He was just a fine man," Sinyard said. He also recalled Russell's fondness for performing wedding ceremonies. "He was always ready to marry people," he said. Bryant agreed. "He liked to see happy marriages. That was something he enjoyed," he said. © VHR