December 8, 2020.

Flagler Palm Coast High School, Palm Coast, FL

Principal

Obituary:

Tom was born on September 18th, 1959 in Bethesda, Maryland to James and Marie (Rowan) Russell. He earned his History and English degree from Florida State University in 1984, and later his masters degree in education from Nova Southeastern. Tom was a teacher for four years before moving into administration. He served as an assistant Principal at Silver Sands Middle, and Deland High School. Tom would later become principal at Deltona Middle and then Pine Ridge High School. He became an area superintendent for Volusia County and later the superintendent for four years. Finally in 2019 Tom became principal at Flagler Palm Coast high School.

On December 18th, 1981, he married Julie Lynn Freeman. They raised two sons, James (Alex) and Jacob (Jake). Tom raised his family in Deltona Florida before moving to Deland.

Tom had a passion for learning. As a lifelong student he enjoyed reading, writing, and listening to Podcasts. Tom also enjoyed watching sports( Florida State and Tampa Bay Bucs), listening to music, gardening and taking walks. He was known for his quick wit, his compassionate spirit, and uncanny ability to communicate with others.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Jim. He is survived by his mother Jean, wife Julie, his two children Alex (Laura), and Jake, his grandchildren Olivia and Rowan, his brother and sister, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.