Russell Stephen Pickering, age 68, of White Springs, FL. passed away Monday, January 24, 2011 at Haven Hospice following a brief illness. Russell was born in Endicott, New York on June 26, 1942 to the late O. Bruce and Zereta Pickering. He was a resident of Polk County for 32 years and was a retired 911 Operator. Pickering was an Eagle Scout and served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a gifted soloist and loved to sing. Mr. Pickering served on the Board of Trustees and Board of Stewards at Longbranch Congregational Methodist Church. He also served as Chairman of the DRANCC.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Carolyn Lindsey Pickering; three brothers, Fred St. John (Sandi) of Elijay, GA.; Roger Pickering (Linda), Orange Park, FL. and Randy Pickering (Kim), Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.; four sisters, Romaine Haas, Brandon, FL., Rebecca Watson (Gerald), Chicago, IL., Linda Hileman (Jack), Greensboro, NC., Rhonda Ballard, Lakeland, FL.; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 27th at Long Branch Congregational Methodist Church near White Springs. Entombment followed at Gateway Forest Lawn Cemetery in Lake City, FL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 6037 West US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL. 32055.