Raleigh Loses a Beloved Icon; His Family Needs Your Help
This past Sunday at 7:16PM, Raleigh lost one of its most beloved and inspirational characters–Russell Lee, a.k.a. “Sho Nuff”. His family is unable to find life insurance information for him, and needs help with funeral and other final expenses.
A reader, Abby, left a comment on our original post on Russell, stating she heard a rumor he had passed away in a scooter accident. A quick google search yielded a Craigslist post from his daughter, asking if anyone could assist their family with final expenses. I spoke with Sanya by phone, and confirmed that he was involved in a scooter accident that took his life.
She went on to say that he had gone in to a ditch, and had been there for some time before someone found him and went for help. He arrived at the hospital paralyzed from the neck down, but his health had already begun to deteriorate–his heart failed, then his kidneys. After being on dialysis and not being conscious, his family arrived to give the OK to remove him from life support. The doctors speculated that he may have had a heart attack just prior to the accident, but not all of the reports have come back to confirm this.
Russell and my sister, Katie, at Sadlack's
Russell was a loved and cherished figure of the Downtown Raleigh scene. He was in the First Friday bike rides, contributed time at 1304bikes sharing his bicycle repair knowledge, as well as shared his wisdom with the younger generation at all of the downtown hot spots. He could be seen performing in his soul band at various venues and on street corners. Most everyone that has met him has been enthralled by his style, his wisdom, and kindness.
Raleigh will not be the same without Russell.
If you can help his family in this time of need, please contact his daughter Sanya:
Sanya Garner
smg033170@yahoo.com
973-805-3386
Read more about Russell Lee: Sho Nuff – Owner of the Most Fly Ride in Town
Every time he walks into my bar, I feel the overpowering urge to announce his presence. and people turn and notice. One day, the entire bar erupted into applause and you could tell he was loving it.
I love seeing him walk in because I know that he opens people up and just…talks. Sho Nuff ain’t scared to pull up at a table of young kids and tell them about the world. The look of enraptured interest is always priceless.
— Jay Winfrey
I ask all of the cyclists out there to heed his advice to me over a year ago:
Wear a helmet and use plenty of lights. Be seen and make sure they see you.
— Russell Lee
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04/02/2010
I feel so lucky to have met and talked with this gentleman while patronizing the PR. He was an intelligent, interesting and interested individual. He was part of what makes Raleigh a fine place to live. My condolences to his family.
04/03/2010
Thanks so much for doing the research on this. I knew you’d put in the legwork. Man, it’s so surreal. I just saw him – it feels like a week ago, but I looked at my checkins. It was 15 days ago. He was sitting on a bench on Fayetteville Street, just handing out. I was inside the Eyecare Center, having my glasses straightened. He wasn’t waering his full getup, just regular clothes: jeans, white tennis shoes, and a blue jacket. I still recognized him. I remember making the decision when I was still inside that if he was still sitting there when I walked out, I’d say hello. He was. When I got done, I stepped out and said hello, asked him where his bike was. He told me he was going to be getting the scooter soon. He said he was 67 years old and that it was time for him to take it a bit more easy. I told him that was my Dad’s age. He sounded excited. He said he had been saving his money, and as soon as he had enough for a lock, he would be buying the scooter. I told him a story about when my ex-husband got his scooter and it was still new, thieves stole it before he’d had it any time at all. The conversation was short, but it was great to see him. I’m so glad I made the choice to take that time on that day. Raleigh had lost a real character. I hate hearing the full story about what happened. I hope he didn’t lie there conscious and suffering.
04/03/2010
genuine, kind & very self-aware. It was truly an honor every time I had the chance to talk with him.
04/03/2010
I found a kindred spirit in my friend. We didn’t get to know each other well, but we celebrated our unique self expression. As one who walks to a different drum I connected with him. Peace my friend.
04/03/2010
Mr Lee was a Class dude–Here’s a snap from his Former incarnation,
known as, “Can’t Touch This!”
http://blog.northroadbicycle.com/2009/01/cant-touch-this.html
04/03/2010
I only met him on two different occasions while visiting my brother in Raleigh, but both times he left a mark on my heart. I loved the stories he told and his outlook on life. He was so happy and very open-not afraid to talk to anyone. He will be missed…Raleigh, as well as the world, has lost someone great.
04/03/2010
One amazing fellow by all means and there will never be another like him….
04/03/2010
The first time I saw “Sho-Nuff” he was riding down Whitaker Mill on that awesome bike of his.I did a triple take and turned my truck around and caught up with him at Snoopy’s and introduced myself. He ate lunch with my crew and was everybody’s friend instantly. So sad. What a loss.
04/03/2010
aw man. he worked the door at farmhouse sometimes. Great guy. He told me three rules for living. One of em was don’t get lost in the Sauce. I bought his CD.
04/03/2010
There will be a Memorial Ride + Fundraiser in honor of Sho Nuff this Tuesday. Meet at Cup a Joe (Hillsborough st) at 7:30pm and bring whatever cash you can, all proceeds will go to help Russell’s family.
04/04/2010
“Wheels in the Wind”
spread the word + invite friends this Tuesday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110403675654668&ref=nf
04/05/2010
I am really sorry to hear this. Thanks for sharing the news.
04/06/2010
Wow, what an amazing ride. His family seemed really touched by the number of folks who showed up, and the ride itself was empowering and lots of fun. Thanks to Miles and co. for making it happen, and RIP Sho Nuff. Your spirit was remembered well tonight.
04/15/2010
Im so sorry to hear this. I know Sho Nuff because he banked with me. I loved this guy! He always was so bright eyed and ready to greet everyone he saw.
He was saving for a moped. He told me that his friends would fall out when they saw him drive up on that instead of a bike. While telling me that story be laughed and was SOOO excited, a month or so ago he came in and told myself and others he was going to get his moped that day!
The look on my his face was amazing
He really enjoyed life to its fullest. Hes was a wonderful man.
05/14/2010
Raleigh has indeed lost an amazing person. He was fond of saying “you only live once, why not make it interesting?” Not many people have the courage to live exactly as they want in life and enjoy each moment to the fullest, and I’m pretty sure he did just that. I feel blessed that I got to chat with him a few times on first friday rides. RIP.