The life of Carl H. Russell began on June 16, 1955 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi when he was born to Margaret Steed Russell and Walter E. Russell, Sr. He was the second oldest of five children. Two brothers, Kevin Russell and Keith Russell preceded him in death.

Carl accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend V.T. Taylor at Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church in Anguilla, Mississippi.

He was educated in the public schools of Sharkey County and graduated from Henry Weathers High School in 1973 where he excelled in basketball and was a member of the Student Council. After graduation, he attended Jackson State for a brief time, and ventured to Los Angeles California in search of his dream. Since dancing was one of his many passions, he had the opportunity to perform on "Soul Train", which was hosted by the infamous Don Cornelius.

As Carl's journey continued, he moved to Chicago where he was employed at various jobs, including the University of Chicago. He later enrolled in the Pivot Point School of Cosmetology and became a licensed Cosmetologist.

Upon his return to Mississippi, Carl embarked upon the role of fatherhood while being employed by the Sharkey Issaquena Hospital, and the Cary Christian Center. He was often recognized as an outgoing, person with strong convictions.

To have known Carl was to experience a "sharp" individual, in terms of how he dressed and what he believed. His life's journey ended on Saturday, August 17, 2024, in Vicksburg Mississippi at Merit Health River Region Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Carl was loved by many and will be sorely missed by family and friends, including: Seven children: Jermel (Latasha) Mason of Cordova, Tennessee; Takeshia Shelby of Austin, Texas; Phillip Brown and Justin Brown of Chicago, Illinois; Dominique Brown and Paris Brown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Alton Brown of Iowa; One sister: Carolyn (Marvell) Spears of Vicksburg, MS; One brother: Walter (Jackie) Russell, Jr. of Anguilla, MS; Eight Aunts: Nadean Evans, Shirley Alford, and Annie Sisney of Anguilla, MS; Geraldine Steed of Rolling Fork, MS; Lorraine Steed of Gardena, CA; Betty Williams of Carthage, MS; Alma Smith of Chicago, IL; and Ruby Cherry of Cincinnati, OH; one Uncle: Oscar Barnes of Killeen, TX; Fourteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild, one niece, two nephews, and a host of cousins, and friends.