Russell K. Cress was born May 24, 1941, in Mount Gilead, North Carolina. Russell accepted Christ at a young age attending Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Zion in Monroe, North Carolina. He graduated from Winchester Avenue High School in Monroe, North Carolina. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for four years. During his enlistment, Russell was stationed in Europe with tours of duty taking him around the world. Once discharged, he began a lifelong career in public safety and law enforcement. He worked as the Director of Public Safety for the Job Corps in New Jersey and served as the Director of Security for Merrill Lynch. Russell was well known and loved by many throughout the Tampa Bay, New York and New Jersey area. Russells favorite pastime was hanging out with his law enforcement colleagues, where they would share stories while enjoying fine cuisine. He would light up the room wherever he was and was quite a conversationalist.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Cress and Sally Young-Cress; aunt, Annie Belle Cherry; first-cousin, Cecil Alston, who was not only his relative but his best friend and running partner.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted and loving wife, Jacquelyn Stone-Cress; aunt, Dorothy Lawson, lovingly referred to as "Sarge" (Charlotte, North Carolina); cousins, Pamela Alston, Brandon Alston-Kirton, Donna Ballard (Charles), Gidget Wooley, Taylor Bell, Carol Whitaker, Casey Elliot (Charles), Rose Hart, Evelyn McKinney, Kim Chambers (Derrick), Monroe, NC, Eric Hall (Karen) ( Monroe, North Carolina), Tamika Cherry (Charlotte, North Carolina); mother-in-law, Mildred W. Stone; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Stone Holifield (Bishop), and Michelle Stone; brothers-in-law, James D. Stone, Melvin M. Stone (Pamela) and Michael B. Stone; nieces, Toni Guthrie (Peter), Melva Stone, Kyrstin Stone, Cynthia Cohen (Dennis); nephew, Bishop C. Holifield (Tonya); and a host of other cousins, relatives, family members and friends that have loved, supported and cherished him over the years. There are just too many to name and we would not want to omit anyone. Although he will be greatly missed, he was too well-loved to ever be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Gulfside Healthcare Services. You can do so through this link or mail it in.

https://www.flipcause.com/secure/fundraiser/ODgzNDg=/89497

Gulfside Hospice

2061 Collier Parkway

Land OLakes, FL 34639

Attn: Carla Armstrong

Memorial Service
Saturday, September 9, 2023
10:30 AM
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Tampa, FL 33610