Former Philadelphia Athletics Player John Edward Passed Away, Leaving Behind His Wife Phyllis Of 69 Years

February 4, 2026

This article was last updated by Sanjib Sah on February 4, 2026

Former baseball star and coach John Edward met his wife, Phyllis, at Nebraska Wesleyan University and were together for almost 69 years.

John Edward “Ted” Russ, born on November 21, 1927, was a teacher, coach, and athlete who passed away at 97 on February 2, 2026.

Although there is no public information about his wife, Phyllis, it is reported that he first met her at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where they both studied and fell in love.

After dating for some time, they tied the knot. Their marriage of almost 7 decades, raising three children, Kriste, Ritchie, and Todd, was marked by mutual support.

While there is no detailed public information about Phyllis’s profession or recent activities, some sources have claimed that she is living and mourning her husband’s recent passing.

Similarly, information about their children is also not publicly available, indicating that they lead private lives.

John Is Survived By His Wife, Three Children, Seven Grandchildren, And 12 Great-Grandchildren!

Now, talking about John’s career timeline, he began his career in baseball from a young age.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Athletics at the age of 16, marking the start of his professional baseball career.

Moreover, he played in the Carolina League, notably in Martinsville, Tennessee, and under the mentorship of Hall of Famer Heinie Manush.

In the 1950s, he played for the House of David Barnstorming team, This team was known for its role in promoting the integration of baseball by competing against Negro League teams.

On the other hand, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

During that time, he was appointed as a player-coach for the Army’s baseball team, reflecting his leadership and baseball expertise.

John was a baseball player and coach who passed away at 97. (Source: Peacock Funeral Home)

Now, regarding his achievements and accolades, his contributions to baseball were recognized with his induction into the Hall of Fame.

Furthermore, he was in 1976.

John found his greatest joy in teaching and coaching. He spent over 30 years in this field, dedicating himself to building character, discipline, and excellence in many athletes.

After retiring from baseball, he enjoyed fishing and golfing, which brought him a lot of joy and relaxation in his later years.

Being a member of the G.I. generation, John’s activities after his retirement have not been widely publicized on social media and other platforms.

Tragically, the baseball legend passed away peacefully at the age of 97, though the official cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to John’s family, friends, and admirers. We will deeply miss his remarkable talent and impact on the world of sports.

A service to honor John’s life and legacy will take place on February 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The location will be at Peacock Funeral Home in Whiteville, North Carolina.

Rest In Peace Legend!

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Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.

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