SAVANNAH - Russell Ellington died on Saturday morning, September 1, 2007, at Saint Joseph's Hospital. The Jefferson County native lived in Savannah most of his life. Russell graduated from Beach High School in 1956. He attended Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA, where he received his B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry in 1960. He did further studies at University of Georgia and Georgia Southern University. He spent 2 years with the New York Giants that was interrupted because of injuries. He began his teaching career at his Alma Mater that spanned for three decades. During 15 years at Beach High School, Coach Ellington won 482 of 529 games (91%). He captured five State and one National Championship. He then won the Georgia High School Association Class AAA State Championship during the first year of integration in 1967. From Beach, Ellington went to Savannah State College (University), which had been the "doormat" in the SIAC before he took over in 1976. During his nine years at Savannah State, he won three SIAC regular season and tournament titles, achieving an impressive collegiate record of 276-52. He left to coach the internationally renowned Harlem Globetrotters. After traveling to 122 countries with the Globetrotters, in 1993, Ellington returned to Savannah to start the first basketball team at Savannah Technical School (College). This phenomenal coach led that team to the National playoffs in Kansas City. Always ready for a new challenge, Coach Ellington returned to his college alma mater, Morris Brown College, to serve as Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director for several years. After a brief retirement, Coach Ellington was "inspired" to return to Beach High School to coach and teach one last time. His legend continued with the 2006-2007 Beach High School basketball team by leading them to the state playoffs. Coach Ellington won numerous awards during his coaching career on every level, and was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in May 2007. Other affiliations include Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Civil Rights Museum Board of Directors, Board of Directors W. Broad St. YMCA, Georgia High School Sports Association and the South Eastern Quarter Back Club; and many other social and civic organizations. A man of faith and family, Russell Ellington was joyfully married to Betty W. Ellington for thirty seven years. He was an active member of Tremont Temple Baptist Church, providing leadership in numerous organizations, including Ministries Financial, the Couples Ministry, Pastor's Support, and the Brotherhood. The Circle of Life was been completed and the legend can finally rest. Russell Ellington was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Retha Ellington, and two brothers, Sammy and Jerome. He is surveyed by his wife, Betty; six children, Russell Ellington (Angela), Eugene A. Washington Sr., (Willie), Patricia Mack (Henry), Dobson Washington, Larry Washington (Cheryl), and Stephanie Nauden (Al); four sisters, Reba Smart, Willie Morrison, Veta Anderson and Lillie Turner; one brother, Bobby Ellington (Betty); 17 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 at A.E. Beach High School Gymnasium from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Tremont Temple Baptist Church at 12:00 Noon , Rev. Ricky A. Bready Pastor officiating. Interment Will be at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers make donations to the Russell Ellington Memorial Scholarship Fund at Wachovia Bank. Bynes -Royall Funeral Home Savannah Morning News September 3, 2007