Well-known businessman, philanthropist Ben Russell dies
ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. (WAKA) – Well-known businessman and philanthropist Ben Russell has died, leaving behind a legacy of achievements in East Alabama and throughout the state.
Russell was chairman of the board of Russell Lands. He was a lifelong resident of Alexander City whose love of Lake Martin and the state of Alabama was seen in everything he did, including his unparalleled charity work.
“Ben’s vision and passion were the driving forces behind everything we do at Russell Lands,” David Sturdivant, president of Russell Lands, said. “He was more than a chairman; he was a mentor, a community champion and a true visionary. While we mourn his loss, we are incredibly proud to celebrate his life and remain committed to honoring his remarkable legacy by continuing to build upon the foundation and values he established over the last half-century.”
After attending The University of Alabama and Mercer University, Russell began his career at Russell Corporation, the textile giant founded by his grandfather in 1902. He was named president of Russell Lands, Inc. in 1970, growing the company from 15 employees to more than 900.
Russell oversaw roughly 25,000 acres and 250 miles of shoreline. He developed more than a dozen waterfront communities and expanded operations to include Russell Marine, nine Do it Best-member building supply stores and Willow Point Golf & Country Club.
More recently, he led the creation of Russell Crossroads, home to Catherine’s Market, SpringHouse, The Stables and Fanny’s. He also guided the development of The Heritage, a 1,500-acre luxury residential community anchored by Wicker Point Golf Club, Alabama’s first and only Coore & Crenshaw-designed private golf course.
In the 1970s, Russell created the ECON Company, innovating alternative wood energy by replacing 250 million gallons of fuel oil with waste wood. His passion for historic preservation was equally evident in personal projects, such as the restoration of a grist mill powered entirely by a 35-foot water wheel.
Beyond his business acumen, Russell will be remembered as one of Alabama’s most generous philanthropists. In 1989, Ben and his wife, Luanne, founded Children’s Harbor on a 66-acre Lake Martin campus to strengthen families of chronically ill children, eventually expanding to fund the Children’s Harbor Family Center at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Following a $25 million gift to the hospital, his family’s legacy was honored in 2012 with the dedication of the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children.
In 2021, Ben and Luanne made a historic $25 million donation to Russell Medical in Alexander City—the largest in the hospital’s history—funding the Russell Legacy Project to champion geriatric care and build a dedicated independent and assisted living community.
He is survived by his wife, Luanne, his daughter, Dedie and her husband, Bill, and his grandson, Benjamin, and his wife, Allie alongside a wide circle of extended family and friends.
Russell Lands remains firmly committed to executing the long-term vision Ben so brilliantly laid out. His legacy will continue to thrive in the communities he built, the lands he preserved, and the families he supported.
Funeral arrangements haven’t yet been announced.
— Information from Russell Lands
