Russell Reid McClure

Frankfort - Russell Reid McClure was born December 12, 1936, and passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Known to his children and grandchildren as “Big Russ”, “Dad” and “Granddad”, he filled every room he entered. Full of love and life to the end, he cared deeply for family, friends, and most importantly children and those who were vulnerable. Russ was never short of a funny story, a pat on the back, a thank you, or a surreptitiously delivered act of charity when it was needed. He was also an endless well of love and grace when any of us stumbled. He will be profoundly missed, and heaven will never be the same. Russ was born in Somerset, Kentucky to the late Joe and Anna Russell McClure. He attended Somerset High and then Transylvania University, where he met his love of 62 years, Brucene, now the matriarch of a large and vibrant lineage. Russ was also survived by his children, Tina Emrick, Mark McClure (Lee), and Holly Smith (Scott) and preceding him in death was an infant son, Rusty McClure. No greater joy was found for Russ than with his grandchildren, April, Chase, Lauren, Cory, Drew, Shelby, Ali, and Abby. He woke each day eager to talk to one of them and just feel joy. Each had a unique relationship with Russ, because he embraced their individuality. Equally treasured were his great-grandchildren, Connor, Brooke, Henry, Nolan, Ella, Helen Hall, Ava, Reid, and one on the way. Russ had a storied and diverse career, starting as a budget analyst for the State of Kentucky and then at an early age, becoming Finance Vice President at Morehead State University under the watchful eye of a trusted mentor, Adron Doran. He later became the Kentucky Secretary of Finance and Executive Assistant to the Governor. Later he owned and operated a commercial insurance company in Louisville, where he left a wide and colorful swath of influence on the development of that city. With all that being said, it meant nothing to him unless his family framed it all. Russ loved to create, build and feel. He taught his children and grandchildren to embrace their expression, whether that be in the form of woodworking, song, birdhouses, or crying at a touching commercial. His family is one that hugs, hollers, stands up, and knocks down barriers when they block what is right. It all added up to absorbing God’s delicious soup of life’s experience. Russ asked us all to laugh and tell stories about him when this day came, and we’ll do our best to meet his expectations. Services for Russ will be held at First Christian Church in Frankfort, Saturday, May 26, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. John Opsata officiating. Burial will follow at Frankfort Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Friday, May 25, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at First Christian Church, on Saturday, May 26, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. prior to the service hour. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests expressions of sympathy may be made in Russ’s memory to United Way of Franklin County, Kentucky; 76 C Michael Davenport Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home.

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Russell Reid McClure

December 12, 1936 - May 22, 2018