To the world he was known as Moose, Russ or Henry, but he was born to the Late Donald R. & Mary F. Dandridge as Russell Henry Dandridge. Russell, the 8th Dandridge child, was raised in Bristol (Lothian), Maryland by his parents and his maternal grandmother, the late Josephine Ann Ennis Burley. During the evening hours of Sunday, December 18, 2022 Russell transitioned into eternal rest.
Russell, a 1982 graduate of Southern High School, was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School System. After graduation, he was employed as a Farm Laborer, a Service Technician at the Grease Monkey of Annapolis and later began his career as a Building Engineer for the Anne Arundel County school system.
Russell shared every aspect of his existence with his life partner, Deneen Proctor. They had a love story and relationship that spanned for over 2 decades and the bond they shared was undeniable. Deneen loved her Moose and you would often find them out together enjoying life and the fruits of their labor. From this union, six (6) children were born. They poured into their children, demonstrating the importance of hard work, determination, the love and importance of God and Family.
Moose was a family man, who lived his life to the fullest, but the one thing we are certain of was his love for his children. His children were the wind beneath his wings, but there was not anything that he would not do for his “girls.” To this day his children probably joke about “Who was his favorite?” But Moose loved each of them equally and he was extremely proud to watch his sons develop and grow into the young men God predestined each of them to be. He would often call to update the family on “What was happening in the children’s lives” and the joy that was in his voice was notable.
Moose, with his kind spirit and huge heart, loved his family to his core and he could often be found enjoying quality time with his siblings, nephews and nieces. His sisters will always remember him for being their “Gentle Giant”, “Big Little Brother” and “Big Bro” always greeting them with a huge grin and a “Hey Sis”. His brothers, will share all of the family memories growing up on the tobacco farm, impromptu cookouts and most importantly all of the racing events, car and bike shows, the conversion vans, tractor pulls and let’s just say - all things automotive. Whenever the brothers would get together you could hear the laughter, music and excitement for miles.
If Moose wasn’t in the presence of his siblings, you could definitely find him hanging out with his second family, The Watkins - Williams’. The relationship he shared with his best friends, Lamar and Troy, and this family is irreplaceable and unmatched. You could often find him attending a party, cookout, fish fry, sporting event or just hanging around town with this crew. If you saw one, the other wasn’t too far behind!
Moose was an avid sports racing fan. A lover of all big engines: Vans, Camaros and Corvettes, you would find him during the summer months with his friends at Capital Raceway. If there wasn’t a racing event in town, he was assisting his brothers and best friends on car repairs and remodels. In the backyard of his little brother’s home is where a lot of mechanical dreams came true while listening to oldie but goodies, a trait he inherited honestly from his father. Also, there was a lot of trash talk about who did and did not know what they were doing - Oh the joys of Brotherly Love.
Russell possessed a heart of gold and such a compassion for anyone who came into contact with him. If you were honored to share even a small portion of his life, you have been impacted by his infectious smile and laughter. He was always in good spirits and loved to be around the folks he called “His People”. There was nothing more that brought Russell pride and honor than his children and watching his loved ones succeed. He was always the first to call to offer a Congratulations or to simply say, You did good. Russell was selfless and giving to anyone whenever he was in the position to share. The family could not be more pleased with how he managed to excel in certain areas of his life and leave a legacy that he would be proud of.
Russell Henry leaves his memories and a lifetime of love to his life partner, Deneen Proctor, ten children; Selena, Karlene, Trevor, Takisha, Carlos, Rochelle, Russell, TyKira, Carlester and Lauren; six grandchildren, Korenna, Jelena, Devonta, Anari, Ayonna and Alaiah; three brothers, Donald (Barbara), Sherman and Starnard; four sisters, Dorothy (Tony), Agnes (Christopher), Carrie (Michael) and JoAnn. His best friends and road partners, Lamar and Troy Williams, The Parker - Sollers Family, The Watkins - Williams Family and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Russell and Mary F. Dandridge, two brothers, Carlester and Marvin Dandridge, great niece, Marley Dandridge, his maternal grandparents, Calvert Wesley and Josephine Anne Ennis Burley and his paternal grandparents, Andrew and Pearl Dandridge.
The family will cherish every moment, every photo and memory shared with you Moose. You cared so deeply for us, never missing an opportunity to show up and support. We could count on you and will always be grateful to hold on to these memories, especially our last family dinner on the 17th. The game of BINGO will never be the same, X gets the spot with both lines and G48 is all you need to win, for certain this time. While we are shocked and devastated by this loss, we comfort ourselves by envisioning the reunion of you and your little brother and friend, Marvin. We know you missed him immensely! Until we all meet again, Henry! ONE LOVE or Bye-Bye, as you would end every call.
