Russell Norman Whitehead
June 27, 1931 ~ February 13, 2026
Russell Norman Whitehead, age 94, of Marietta, GA, passed away on February 13, 2026. Russ was born on June 27, 1931, in Athens, GA, and raised in Charlotte, NC.
After graduating from Oak Ridge Military Academy, Russ served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged prior to beginning his career with AT&T.
He later moved his family to the Atlanta/Marietta, GA, area, where he worked as an engineer for AT&T for 43 years. During his career, he and his team were instrumental in the implementation of fiber optic networks, as well as the development of the first airline reservation system and switching stations. Russ was a member of Eastern Airlines’ NAM team of experts and received the NAM Team of the Year award in 1983.
He was a founding member of Due West United Methodist Church in Marietta, GA, where he proudly served as a Deacon.Russ was a devoted and loving husband and father.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Whitehead; his oldest daughter, Julie Whitehead; and his grandson, Christopher William Whitehead (Samantha June).
He is survived by his children Cheryl Snyder (David), Russ Whitehead Jr. (Barbara), and Ellen Naffziger (Mark); his grandchildren Kayla, Emily, and Sallie Snyder, Samantha Johnston (Hunter), and Ashley Naffziger McQuillan (Jake); and his great‑grandchildren Alyssa and Kaitlyn Whitehead.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park Columbarium on March 7, 2026.
The family will greet friends from 10:30 AM–11:30 AM, with services to follow at 11:30 AM.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Southern Cremations & Funerals Cheatham Hill- Marietta
You will be in my heart. Daddy!
What a beautiful world it would be if there were more Russell Whiteheads in it. Our love thoughts and prayers are with you.
So many memories!! Thank you Lord Jesus for bringing Russ into our lives.
We are praying for comfort and sweet memories to bring smiles through the tears & for Gods precious embrace. We love you, Pete and Amanda Douglas.
Sent with love and remembrance,
Fond memories of Russ throughout the years.. Love to all the family.
My close friend, advisor and confidant for 80 years from my age of 15 to his age of 95 – neighbor, a hard working ATT account executive for EA airlines passed away yesterday at 95. He filled the gap as a father when I most needed the validation and help. Over time, going from a teenager next door, to attending all his family celebrations during the holidays, to picking me up at the city facility after being cited for illegal possession, to attending GT ACC BB games for at least 15 years and becoming a steadfast friend – passed away yesterday at 95 years old, having enjoyed Jack Daniel’s and Marlboros most of his adult life. We watched hundreds of BB and FB games together on TV, and had great dinners with Andra, Shirley and me with tremendous laughing and wine consumption. He is going to be terribly missed, but my goodness, he lived a long life of faithfulness and integrity.
As a little girl, I grew up next door to Russell and Shirley. They were the friendliest neighbors you could ask for. Funny enough, the first memory that comes to mind is when Russell caught a baby opossum in a pizza box. We lived in a well wooded neighborhood with a creek and big pond outback. He instantly thought of me knowing I loved nature. When he brought the baby opossum over, I was amazed and so thankful he let me take a look! Russell and his family will always hold a special place in our hearts. May he rest in peace with his loved ones in heaven and smile down on us all