Russell Stringer, 50-Year Central Resident

Russell Lane Stringer of Central passed away Nov. 6, 2025, after a fully lived 89 years of life. A native of Franklinton, Russell was born to Frank Lane Stringer and Maudine Magee Stringer in 1936 and was raised alongside his beloved siblings, Larry and Cornell. Many of his best days were spent in a fishing boat with his brother or at the Washington Parish Fair with his sister. 

After graduating from Franklinton High School, Russell attended and graduated from LSU in 1960. He taught dance at Arthur Murray during his time at LSU, a memory of which he spoke fondly. 

He then completed a masters degree at Southern University. Professionally, he worked in sales for Blue Plate Mayo for a time and then spent the majority of his career as an instructor at Baton Rouge Vo Tech. 

Russell served in the Louisiana National Guard’s 105th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion 1954-1957 and was activated into the Army during the Berlin Crisis. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1962. 

Russell and his wife Elaine met on a blind date while attending LSU.  He proposed while they were attending the Washington Parish Fair in his native Franklinton, They were married in her hometown of Bunkie on June 19, 1960. They moved to Central in 1975 and have enjoyed “country living in the city” ever since!

They raised two sons together and he then spent his golden years catering to the whims of his eight grandchildren. The only thing that could make Russell happier than a fishing pole or golf club in hand was being surrounded by family with a grand baby on his lap. Each of them will carry his memory with them forever… as well as the memory of his legendary fried fish and homemade vanilla ice cream. 

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Lane Stringer and Maudine Magee Stringer, as well his step-father, Thurman Knight. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Elaine Blalock Stringer; brother, Larry Stringer (Dorothy) and sister Cornell Stringer Bond (Danny); sons Scott (Lana) and Walt (Ginger) Stringer; grandchildren Cole, Victoria (Galen), Madison, London, Kylie, Sydney, Sophie, Ava; and great grandchildren Elanor and Jack.