There are people you meet in life who leave an unforgettable mark. For me, Russ Burns was one of those people.
Russ grew up in Murfreesboro and attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration and showcased his leadership skills as president of the Special Events Committee. After graduating, he served as a pilot in the United States Air Force and the Tennessee Air National Guard, completing active-duty deployments, including Desert Shield/Desert Storm and peacekeeping missions in Sarajevo.
Russ began his construction career at Lacona Construction, later advancing to the executive leadership team at Turner Construction. He was also a man of great faith. In 2008, he pursued his passion for theology, earning a Master's degree with honors from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. While studying, he joined Clayco as a consultant and eventually became President and CEO, leading the company to exponential growth.
There have been countless times where Russ has supported me, not just as a leader but as a true friend. He was deeply committed to his community and served on the boards of organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Vanderbilt Medical Center, and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. His dedication to making a positive impact defined both his career and his personal life. Russ wasn’t just about getting the job done – he was about doing it with unwavering integrity.
Russ’s wisdom, humor, and optimism brought strength to every challenge we faced as business partners and friends. And boy, did we face challenges. From navigating the Great Recession to guiding the company through unimaginable personal loss, Russ was my steady hand. He often said, “I’ve read the last chapter, and everything turns out fine!” He was the type of person who ensured that people felt supported, valued, and empowered. His legacy is not just the exponential growth Clayco experienced under his leadership but the endless lives he touched.
Russ was one of those rare people whose presence made everything brighter. None of us reach greatness alone, and I was fortunate to have Russ by my side as a friend and mentor. Whenever we veered off course, he gave us the nudge we needed, always with kindness and conviction. After just a few words and a smile, anyone would know the remarkable man Russ was — a person of unmatched class and genuine warmth.
To honor Russ, we will continue to carry forward his spirit of compassion, courage, and resilience. The Russell Burns Building in St. Louis will stand as a reminder of his contributions and the profound impact he had on us all. Russ, you were a whole bunch of something. Man, what a life you lived! I’ll forever be grateful for every moment we shared.
Rest easy, my friend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the James P. and Alice R. Burns Saint Louise Clinic Fund. Created by Russ and his wife, Allison, in honor of his parents, the fund supports the Saint Louise Clinic in providing essential healthcare services to Middle Tennessee’s most vulnerable residents. Contributions help offer dental, vision, and hearing care, access to medications, health coaching, and behavioral health support, continuing the legacy of compassion that defined the Burns family.
