Gamaliel, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – A longtime Northeast Arkansas educator and former Valley View School District superintendent died Sunday after drowning at Lake Norfork in rural Baxter County.
Bryan E. Russell, 65, a Highland High School graduate who spent 32 years in education, drowned Sept. 6 at the 101 Boat Dock near Gamaliel, according to the Spring River Chronicle.
Sgt. Scott Thrasher of the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Russell’s death to the newspaper and said no foul play is suspected.
Russell spent the final nine years of his education career as superintendent of the Valley View School District in Jonesboro. He previously served the district as principal and assistant superintendent.
According to the Spring River Chronicle, Russell and his wife, Trisha, were at the lake Sunday with another couple and had stopped at the boat dock for a break.
A family member told the newspaper that Trisha heard a splash but initially did not think anything was wrong because it was not unusual for Russell or others in the group to get into the water to cool off.
When the group realized Russell was in trouble, a friend accompanying the couple entered the water in an attempt to rescue him. Divers later recovered Russell’s body, according to the Chronicle.
Russell had spoken about his love of the lake when he retired from Valley View, saying he planned to spend more time there with his wife.
His death has prompted an outpouring of memories from the Valley View community and others throughout Northeast and north-central Arkansas who knew Russell during his long career in education.
In a statement posted to the Valley View Public Schools Facebook page, the district remembered Russell as much more than an administrator.
“Mr. Russell faithfully served our district as Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent,” the district said.
“Mr. Russell’s years of leadership and service left a lasting impact on our schools, our students, and our community. He was more than an educator and administrator—he was a friend, mentor, and someone countless people knew they could always count on.”
The district said Russell loved fishing and spending time on the water away from school, but that one of his greatest joys was being “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren, Isla and Miles.
“The time he spent with them was something he treasured deeply,” the district said.
Valley View Public Schools extended its condolences to Russell’s wife, Trisha; his daughter, Nikki, a Valley View graduate; his grandchildren; his extended family; and the many friends, colleagues and former students who knew him.
The district described Russell as someone whose influence extended well beyond the classroom.
“His impact reached far beyond the classroom, touching generations of students, colleagues, friends, and families,” the district said. “His legacy will live on through the lives he influenced, the relationships he built, and the community he loved so deeply.”
Russell was also the son of the late Bill Russell, a longtime barber in Hardy and a familiar figure in that community.
During his 32 years in education, Bryan Russell became known and respected throughout northeast Arkansas, leaving behind generations of students, educators and community members who knew him.
Valley View Public Schools concluded its statement by saying Russell’s memory “will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.”