OXFORD – Merritt A. Russell, “The Spencerian Flash” of Oxford, passed away unexpectedly July 5, 2007 at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City.  
He is survived by his wife, Carol of Oxford; his children, Heidi Russell of New York City, Scott Russell of Rochester, and Heather Russell of Philadelphia; his brother and sister-in-law, Lockhart and Bernadette Russell of Syracuse; his nephew, Stuart Russell of Maryland and his sister-in-law, Florence Petersen of Florida.
Merritt was a graduate of Downsville Central School, Syracuse University and Ithaca College.  After graduation he served as a Lieutenant in the US Army.  He taught instrumental music in Virgil for three years and  4th to 8th grade instrumental music at Oxford Academy and Central School for 27 years. He also worked with the high school concert band and marching band. He was a member of the Oxford and Chenango County Retired Teachers Assn. He was a long time member of the United Church of Oxford and was a former Sunday School Superintendent, sang in the choir and was in the Praise Band and the Brass Choir with his baritone. He was well known for his ability at Spencerian Script penmanship and won numerous awards for his work, including having worked displayed at the Smithsonian Museum, Postal Section, for his entry in the Graceful Envelope Category. He was a member of the International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting.  He was also an antiquarian, collecting papers, magazines and books. He loved volunteer teaching of handwriting to the 3rd grade students. He was also a piano tuner and a member of the Piano Technicians Guild.  His other interests include being a harmonica player, an artist and a train enthusiast.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the United Church of Oxford, Main St., Oxford with the Rev. Allen C. Lang officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Oxford, PO Box  566, Oxford, the Oxford Fire Department Emergency Squad, PO Box 172, Oxford, or the Scleroderma Foundation, 89 Newbury St., Suite 210, Danvers, MA.