A Life of Grit, Family, Faith, and Public Service

Grit.

Born and raised in Lugoff, Russell Brazell grew up in the woods and lakes of the Pine Grove area. When he wasn’t exploring the great outdoors, Russell helped with the family business. Hunting, fishing, and long days at Roy’s Cabinet Shop taught Russell practical skills and respect for the land and people who make our community thrive.

Russell attended Lugoff schools, finishing at Thomas Sumter Academy, and graduated from Clemson University in 2000 with a degree in Forest Resource Management. At age twenty one Russell came home to work at the family business, now called Roy’s Wood Products. Over the last 26 years he has worked to grow the company from a small shop into an employer of roughly 90 people, creating opportunities for neighbors and investing in the Midland’s future.

Family.

Russell met his future wife, Kayci Merritt, while studying at Clemson and the college sweethearts were married shortly afterwards in 2001. Kayci was a schoolteacher for more than 18 years and has been the heart of the family. Together they are raising three children—Merritt (22), Davis (19), and Karsen (15).

Faith.

Russell and Kayci made it a priority to ensure their family life is grounded in a faithful Christian walk. Every day is an opportunity to show gratitude for God’s mercy and grace.

Service.

Russell’s father served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War; and his father, Russell’s grandfather Roy Sr. was a World War II veteran.  Both these courageous men were instrumental in forming Russell’s sense of duty and sacrifice. Their many stories — often recounted with a quiet humor—instilled in Russell a belief that service and obligation are passed down through generations. And as Ronald Reagan once observed, freedom is not inherited, but must be fought for by each successive generation.

After visiting the World War II cemetery at Normandy in 2020, Russell knew that he, like his grandfather nearly 80 years before, was being called to do more than just work. And when the government lockdowns that year threatened small businesses all over South Carolina, he saw how fragile the American dream can be and felt compelled to act. Russell decided to run for Kershaw county council to protect jobs, support public safety, and make sure local leaders put the people they represent first.

Russell is running for House District 45 to give a little back to the community that raised him, to honor the incredible service of those who came before us, and to build a future for the next generation where hard work still pays off.