Russell "Russ" Craig Allison

Russell Craig Allison, 71, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 5, 2024.  A beloved son, dad, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many, Russ will be dearly missed.

Russell was born in Berkeley, CA, on Valentine’s Day—February 14, 1953—to Clint and Emma Allison, who had long prayed for the arrival of this, their firstborn.  His disposition as a child was naturally sweet and happy, and he sang almost before he spoke… in tune. He became the older brother to two siblings: Steve Allison (Diane), from Rye, CO, and Lynn Allison Hofflund (Mark), from Boise, ID.

In the early 1960’s, Russ and the entire Allison family (including the dog) moved abroad because of his dad’s work. The first stop was Geneva, Switzerland, where Russ attended the international school, College du Léman, studied French and German, and had an opportunity to explore Europe, instilling in him a love of travel.  After two years, the family moved to San Jose, Costa Rica, and Russ switched to learning Spanish. But by age 15, he preferred to complete his high school studies back in California, and was privileged to attend the Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad, which set him up well for his subsequent degrees at U.C. Santa Barbara, and Masters degree in Economics from Pepperdine University.

Russ met his wife, Nancy, in 1986, through a singles group at Hollywood Presbyterian in Los Angeles.  They struck up a conversation and discovered that each had returned from recent travel adventures to Australia and New Zealand. Their mutual love of God and of travel drew them together, and on August 22, 1987, the two were married.  They settled in Whittier, CA. and in May, 1990, welcomed they’re beloved daughter and only child, Amy Lynn.

Russ loved music of all kinds, but was especially drawn to classical music, and had a large collection of recordings.  He was also a self taught guitar player and continued to possess a glorious tenor voice, (performing in musicals in his younger days, including in Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance.”)   He also loved the outdoors and often hiked with groups throughout the Sierra Nevada’s during his single days and continued  outdoors trips and vacations with Nancy and Amy. When not playing guitar, you could find him with is nose in a book or newspaper or having an afternoon siesta.

Professionally, Russ worked as an analyst with tax software development companies in Los Angeles, CA., Seattle WA, and Franklin, NC.  He also built a significant private tax preparation business which continued until his passing.  After retiring from Drake Software in Franklin, Russ and Nancy remained in Franklin, where they have lived for the past 16 years, making friends and enjoying their church home and dear congregation at Emmanuel Presbyterian.

Russ was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Nancy and a caring father to his daughter Amy, whom he adored. Most of all Russ loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart.  He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy Allison; his mother, Emma Isabel Allison; daughter, Amy Lanclos (Jared); brother Steve; sister Lynn, and wonderful nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 5:30 PM Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Tim McQuitty officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. All are welcome.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Allison family.