Obituary of Russell Quenell Halyard

Russell Quenell Halyard, “Russ” as he was affectionally called by his family and friends, was born on November 6, 1969. His parents are John and Elizabeth Halyard.

Russ dedicated his life to Jehovah and symbolized it by water baptism on June 15, 1985. He was a truck driver for many years until his health began to fail. When he was no longer able to work secularly, he entered the full-time ministry as a regular pioneer; and later auxiliary pioneered as his circumstances permitted. Russ loved the ministry and speaking to all he knew about the hope he held dear to his heart. Russ pioneered in February 2023 before undergoing back surgery. He especially enjoyed the cart witnessing work in various public places across the North Charleston area and visiting nursing homes. One of his favorite scriptures was Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve Jehovah”.

Russ was warm and gregarious. He loved to travel and made new friends wherever he would go. He never met strangers and once he claimed you as a friend – you felt the love. Russ valued his friends and was intentional about staying connected through friendly calls and text messages. He had love for people, and he also loved pets. He was strong and maintained a positive attitude despite enduring health issues for many years.

On December 24, 2005, Russ married the love of his life, Kendra L. George. Kendra remembers Russ as a loving and caring husband. “He was my best friend and biggest cheerleader.” In addition to being a loving husband, he was a devoted son, brother, and uncle. Russ also cherished his spiritual brothers and sisters in the Charleston Heights congregation.

Russ was proceeded in death by his father, John H. Halyard, and all paternal and maternal grandparents. He leaves behind his wife of nearly twenty years, Kendra L. Halyard; his mother, Elizabeth Halyard; a brother, JoQuel (Cielita) Halyard; and sister Erin (Orion) Jeter. He also leaves behind an extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces; all of whom he loved very much.

We are happy to know that Russ ran the race to the full and is now resting in Jehovah’s memory. He will sleep a short while until he receives the call to wake up. (John 5:28, 29)

Memorial Service will be Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 2 pm. The location is Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4600 Appian Way, North Charleston, SC 29420.