Russell Rabalais

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 5, 1950

Departed on September 5, 2014 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

Russell Eugene Rabalais, 64, of Nashville, lost his battle with Lymphoma on September 5, 2014. Born June 5, 1950 in Baton Rouge, LA to Robert Roy Rabalais, M.D. and Pearl Eugenia Hattic, Russ is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert Roy Rabalais, Jr., M.D. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Denise Gentry Rabalais and daughter, Rachel Eugenia Rabalais; brother Roger Rabalais (Carolyn) of Charleston, WV; nephews David (Erika) Rabalais, M.D. and Mike (Amy) Rabalais; sister-in-law Pam Rabalais-Vinci of Zachary, LA; Aunt Carey Steele of Apple Valley, CA; nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and many close friends. The family thanks John Greer, M.D., Russ's close friend of 42 years for his guidance and moral support during Russ's illness.
A 1972 graduate of Vanderbilt University, Russ was a US Naval Reserve Lieutenant (1972-1974), earned an MBA from LSU (1976), and was an Operations Officer for the White House Conference on Small Business (1978-1980) before becoming a Vice President at First American National Bank (1983-1989) after which he was self-employed in financial management until his retirement.
Russ loved traveling, Vanderbilt and LSU sports and the Kingston Trio's music. He visited all 50 states, traveled abroad, and enjoyed planning family trips. He and wife, Denise, were married in Florence, Italy in 1999 and, in 2001 traveled to Russia to adopt their daughter, Rachel. He met and sang with the Kingston Trio at the annual trio fantasy camp, an experience he especially enjoyed and shared with his brother, Roger.
Russ was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge, LA. He was generous, kind and devoted his life to his family. Russ was a quiet, gentle soul who touched many people and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
Family and friends, please gather at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home on Highway 100 this Thursday, September 11th from 4-8PM and on September 12th at 11:30 for services in celebration of Russ's life. Burial immediately following at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.