John Russell Murer Obituary (1953 - 2016)

Born Oct 18, 1953, John Russell Murer attended Shades Valley High School in Birmingham, AL. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about John Russell Murer.

Graduation Year	Class of 1972
Date of Birth	Oct 18, 1953
Date of Passing	Jul 16, 2016
About	Oct. 18, 1953 - July 16, 2016 John Russell Murer, 62, of Birmingham, passed away peacefully Saturday July 16 after fighting cancer with incredible determination and strength of will for over 13 years. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. A friend to many, he will be sorely missed. As a home builder, many of his clients became friends. In 1983, he and his partner built The Palms at Seagrove, one of the earlier condominium projects on 30-A between Destin and Panama City Beach. More recently, he built several Ready-Mix USA facilities. Possibly his most challenging project was building a home for his Mother ten years ago. The 3-year project was made dysfunctional with too many well-meaning family members all striving for perfection. The saying "the persistent pursuit of perfection promotes procrastination" proved to be true in this case. However, there was a happy ending. Russell attended Shades Valley High School and UAB where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. He enjoyed spending time at his hunting club in west Alabama, although hunting was secondary to driving the tractor, grilling and enjoying camaraderie with long-time buddies. His wife and grand-children joined him there at times and also on frequent trips to Smith Lake. His grandchildren were the delight of his life. He had a soft spot for children and taught 4th grade Sunday school at Liberty Park Baptist Church until recently. He would be most proud of the positive influence he had on young ones. He would be there in a minute for friends and family when needed. Russell loved unconditionally and inspired others around him to do the same. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Sudderth Murer, his children: Kevin R. Murer, Greg Cottrell (children Sarah, Will and Alexandra), Stephen Cottrell (Theresa)(children Caitlin and Kerry), all of Birmingham. Mother: Thelma B. Murer, Birmingham. Brothers: Kenneth Murer (Cynthia), Wilsonville, Glenn Murer (JT Fields), Atlanta & Highlands, NC, and sister, Sherrill Murer of Birmingham. He was preceded in death by his father, Emil John Murer, Jr. Memorial services will be held at Liberty Park Baptist Church on Tuesday July 19 at 11:00 with visitation beginning at 10:00. Burial to follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Published by The Birmingham News from Jul. 17 to Jul. 20, 2016.