Savannah Coach Russell Dies at 69

 

Russell Ellington was born February 4, 1938 to the late Willie and Retha Ellington. The Jefferson County native lived most of his life in Savannah, Georgia. In 1956, he graduated from Alfred Ely Beach High School. He continued his education at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1960, he received his B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry. He furthered his studies at the University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University. His football career with the New York Giants was interrupted after two years due to injuries. He then began his teaching career at his Alma Mater that spanned for three decades.

 

During fifteen years of teaching at A.E. Beach High School, Russell Ellington became known as "Coach" Ellington. As the A.E. Beach Bulldog basketball coach, he won 482 of 529 games (91%). He captured five State and one National Championship. He then won the Georgia High School Association Class AAA State Championship during the first year of integration in 1967. From Beach, Ellington went to Savannah State College (now University), which had been the "doormat" in SIAC before he took over in1976. During his nine years at Savannah State, he won three SIAC regular season and tournament titles, achieving an impressive collegiate record of 276-52. He left to coach the internationally renowned Harlem Globetrotters. After traveling to 122 countries with the Globetrotters, in 1993, Ellington returned to Savannah to start the First Basketball team at Savannah Technical School (now College). This phenomenal coach led that team to the National Playoffs in Kansas City.

 

Always ready for a new challenge, Coach Ellington returned to his college Alma Mater, Morris Brown College, to serve as Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director for several years. After a brief retirement, Coach Ellington was "inspired" to return to Beach High School to coach and teach one last time. His legend continued with the 2006-2007 Beach High School Basketball team by leading every level, and was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in May 2007. Other affiliations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, R.M.G Civil Rights Museum Board of Directors, Board of

 

Directors West Broad Street YMCA, Georgia High School Sports Association and the Southeastern Quarterback Club, and many other social and civic organizations.

 

A man of Faith and family, Russell Ellington was joyfully married to Betty W. Ellington for thirty-seven years. He was an active member of Tremont Temple Baptist Church, providing leadership in numerous organizations, including the Financial and Couples Ministry, Pastor's Support and the Brotherhood.

 

On September 1, 2007, the Lord saw roads were getting rough and the hills just a bit too hard for Russell to Climb, so He gently called him Home, whispering, Peace be thine," as he joined his predeceased parents, Willie and Retha Ellington, and two brothers, Sammy and Jerome. The Circle of Life has been completed and the legend can finally rest.