Russell Lewis Grant (1/19/63- 5/4/24) died Saturday, May 4, 2024, after months of suffering from lung health issues, and entering Hospice Care.

Russell was born in January 1963 to Jack and Margie Grant, of Tulsa Oklahoma, at St John's Hospital, and baptized at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He was the fifth child of the family, having two older brothers, and two older sisters. He attended Sequoyah Elementary School-Tulsa, then Unions Schools when the family moved to south Tulsa. Russell played baseball, and participated in the school music programs as a drummer in the marching band, concert band, and jazz ensemble.

After graduation in 1981, he attended the University of Tulsa on music scholarship, playing in the Golden Hurricane Marching Band for football games, and Pep Band for Basketball and other events. He performed in Kendall Hall with the orchestra, and in other concert performances as a percussionist. He transferred to NSU in Tahlequah where he continued his music career, and played summers with the Tahlequah River City Players.

In Tulsa, Russell began with a garage band called Garnett Band, but then became a member of new group called Testing..1..2, playing at many venues in the area. He was also a freelance percussionist, and sat in with other groups like The Sounds of Music Big Band, a Reggae Steel Drum Band, Jazz Sets, and many others. Those performances took him from Mayfest, Utica Square Fourth Night, Guthrie Green Starlight Concerts, Baseball Games, Golf Tournaments, Local Musicals, and many local festivals in Oklahoma.

As the principal percussionist for the Tulsa Signature Symphony, he studied, practiced, and performed for a wide variety of music from Classical to Pop, Requiem by Verdi to the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky, James Bond Themes to Star Wars, Christmas Concerts to The Fourth of July! He accompanied many guest musicians and vocalists, and shared the front of the stage with David Gates when he visited Tulsa.

He had a "Day Job" working for B and B Liquor Stores, and played with Church Music Ministries. Russell enjoyed jamming and listening to other musicians, talking music and playing his drums!

In recent years he lived at home with his mom, caring for her and driving her around. They took trips together, and joined in many family celebrations. Russell never married.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack L Grant, and brother-in-law, Danny Cheney. His is survived by his mother, Margie Dennis, brothers Patrick Grant, Tim Grant, sisters Elizabeth Herber, Christy Cheney, seven nephews, two nieces, and many great nephews and nieces, who know him as Uncle Russ!

Visitation will be May 8, at Fitzgerald Southwood from 5-7pm, followed by the Rosary at 7pm in their Chapel. Funeral Mass will May 9, at St Pius X Catholic Church-Tulsa at 10am, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

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