WASHINGTON COUNTY (KFSM) — At the age of 85, Russell died when his heart gave out what was supposed to be a routine angiogram to check for blockage in a coronary artery.
Russell was born in Eudora, Arkansas and had been designing knives since around the time he could hold a pencil.
At just nine years old, Russell’s grandfather helped him craft his first knife.
After a few different small locations, A.G. Russell knives store opened in 2002 off of exit 81 in rogers.
His friends say Russell had loyal customers from all over.
“They are just absolutely enthused to be able to meet a legend, because he certainly was one and just be able to talk knives and to learn, because he always taught in every conversation,” said Debbie Myers, a longtime worker at A.G. Russell Knives.
Russell’s coworkers say his personality was larger than life and he made sure to say hi to everyone in the office.
Debbie Myers, who has worked with Russell for more than a decade says he was one of the best people she has ever known.
“He wanted you to be the best you could be. So he pushed you and there will never be another one like him,” she said.
A.G. Russell was known as a natural salesman. His friends tell me he could be found most days behind the counter, educating customers, telling stories and showing off his newest designs.
He was known to carry no less than six knives on him at any given time.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A.G. Russell III, the owner of A.G. Russell Knives, passed away on Friday, October 12.
At the age of 85, Russell died when his heart gave out during what was supposed to be a routine angiogram to check for blockage in a coronary artery, according to his obituary.
A.G. Russell Knives posted the news of his death on the companies Facebook page.
Russell’s obituary says up till October 10, he was still working at his office designing knives and talking with customers.
“Saturdays were especially important to him. He would spend most of the hours that the store was open on that day, talking to customers. He especially enjoyed the little ones.”
To read more about visitation to Russell’s funeral click here.
