Hi Marty, Elizabeth, and Jonathan. I’ve been immensely blessed by your family and will forever be grateful for Walt. To say that he transformed my life would be a gross understatement. I’m saddened - deeply - to learn of his passing. Please text me at 615-974-6006. It would be lovely to talk to you all. 

Walt and Marty were the first couples we got to know when we came to Biola and we immediately learned to love their humble, godly, fun, warm, intentional, loving way. Walt was a consistent source of wisdom, gospel-centered perspective, and prophetic insight for the Biola community and beyond. He will be greatly missed and I pray for God's great comfort with hope for Marty, Elizabeth, and Johnathan. I'm so glad death won't win, but Jesus will! --Erik Thoennes

It was a joy and honor to serve with Walt at Talbot for all of the years he was there. We had numerous conversations about church ministry, and he was always gracious, as well as being insightful.  I have a picture of us together at his retirement dinner that I treasure. Miss seeing and talking with him. Thinking and praying for your entire family. -Gary L. McIntosh

Marty, Elizabeth, and Jonathan,

I was so blessed to have gotten to know Walt when he came to Baltimore to start Grace Fellowship Church.  He not only met with me to patiently answer questions about our faith and the way the local church should function, but lovingly challenged me to follow Christ and then modeled that by inviting me into his home and spending quality time with me.  What I'll never forget was his willingness to share his raw emotion of his son's passing with me at your home; I felt honored that he let me into that part of his life.

I thank the Lord for the significant impact Walt had on my maturing as a man in Christ!

Tom Haskins

When I first meant Walt at his house, he took me to his study, had me sit in his chair, turned the fan on to show me how he loves to sit here just like that every day & study Gods word.  His love for Him and all he met just bubbled out of him!  Oh what a treat that was for me. Next time, I pulled in the driveway to drop Marty off after one of our adventures, here was Walt running to the car to tell me how thankful he was that we had a great time!  Next thing he did was give his beloved  Marty a great big kiss. Such a beautiful couple, they spread that love to everyone they met♥️  I’m so very grateful that God gave me these times. They will be forever held on my heart. 

Walt Russell changed my life when I was a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. He was the first to take an interest in a young Christian who knew little about his faith two years after his conversion. Walt taught me how to study the Bible and instilled in me a lifelong passion for Scripture. In his honor I named my first son after him. I was a pastor for 35 years. During that time I discipled many in the model Walt left with me. One man started a work that has influenced many for Christ. Thank you Walt for taking time to show me the way. I love you brother. I look forward to seeing you again. 

Marty, I am saddened to hear of Walt’s passing. He is joining Conrad in heaven since he died on June 1, 2022.  It is comforting to know we will join them someday. I am praying for you and your family. May the God of ALL comfort minister to each of you as only He knows how.  I know his service will honor Walt and the God he loved. 

Barbara Koch

Marty and family, I am so grateful for the Lord bringing Walt into our life and helping to begin Grace Fellowship Church in Timonium, MD!  It has grown to thousands and started 8 other large congregations - influencing Hundreds of thousands 

Our hearts are with yours!