On Friday, Sept. 5, Tarleton State University lost a member of its family to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. Russell Justice, 22, was from Weatherford, Texas and was a music major during his time at Tarleton.  Justice was involved in the Tarleton Choir Program, a member of the Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity, and participated as Horton in Tarleton’s performance of “Seussical the Musical”.

After his spring  2013 semester, Justice was forced to take a leave from Tarleton to undergo treatment for cancer. He began treatment in June of 2013, and ended treatment in September 2013. Justice was readmitted with complications at the beginning of this month and passed away surrounded by family and friends early Friday morning.

“He was just an all around likeable guy, had a bit of something for everyone,” Camden Langford, a close friend of Justice said. “A musician, a nerd, sports fan, always enthusiastic to get involved. Our friendship was a match made in heaven. He was so encouraging and always had something nice to say. With Russell everything was awesome, and he could always find a way to join the fun with his own original ideas, which he had tons of. We’d spend hours inventing theoretical movies, musicals, songs and television shows down to the last detail. My best friend was just amazingly talented.”

Many of Justice’s friends enjoyed his talent and big heart that he had for everyone around him. He loved to laugh, smile and give hugs to his friends around the Fine Arts Center. He enjoyed many different activities such as singing, musical theater, playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons and being involved in Mu Phi Epsilon.

“Russell had a personality that radiated through the halls of the Fine Arts building. Whether it was with his smile, his laugh or his booming voice bursting into song, Russell could put a smile on anyone’s face. He was a talented musician, a loyal brother and an incredible friend,” said Zach Steele, Justice’s fraternity little.  

“He had a huge heart and a huge voice. He always knew what to say to make you think and to make you feel better,” said Rebecca Kimmons, Tarleton alumna and Justice’s fraternity big. “His talent and voice was one of kind, one that will be greatly missed.”

A visitation will be held tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Galbrieth-Pickard Chapel in Weatherford, Texas. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. at Couts United Methodist Church in Weatherford.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent under Russell Justice’s name to the Tarleton State University Development Department to be used as a choral scholarship in his name.