Ammon John Russell, age 23, passed away on April 23, 2026. Born on November 7, 2002, Ammon was a beloved son, brother, and grandson who brought a unique light to his family. He was known for his gentle spirit and his passions, ranging from his love of Pokémon to Hot Sauce and to the close bonds he shared with his four siblings.

Ammon is survived by his parents, Seth and Amy Russell; his sisters, Charity and Sadie Russell; and his brothers, Levi and Calvin Russell. He also leaves behind his grandparents, Milo and Laura Hirschi, Kem Russell, Ann Russell, as well as a large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Family, especially his cousins, took up a large part of Ammon's heart. Ammon loved his family and they were his world.

From his earliest days, Ammon brought a unique energy to his family. Though he started life with a few minor hurdles, he grew into a vibrant young man who never needed braces to have an infectious beautiful smile—his spirit did that on its own. Whether he was squirming across the floor for Cheerios as a baby or jetting ahead of everyone else on family hikes, Ammon was always a person with energy.

Music was a defining joy in Ammon's life. A talented pianist from the age of seven, he could play almost anything put in front of him. He delighted his family by rocking out in his middle school jazz band—sunglasses and all—and later filled his home with everything from loud video game soundtracks to sweeping cinematic scores by Hans Zimmer. He especially loved playing pieces from Pride and Prejudice for his mother and sister, and he eventually shared his gift with others by playing for residents at a local senior center.

During his early years, Ammon enjoyed playing some sports. He achieved a brown belt in Kung Fu and spent years on the baseball and soccer fields. One of his proudest moments was during the 2014 baseball playoffs, when he pulled off a double play and was triumphantly carried off the field by his teammates. His love for the outdoors took him all the way to the Pacific Crest Trail, where his "Hey Dad" catchphrase became the soundtrack of a cherished trek across Oregon.

Above all, Ammon was a person who simply wanted to be with his family. He dedicated much of his time calling, texting, and playing video games with family all across the country. He was particularly devoted to his youngest brother, Calvin; no matter how hot or humid the North Carolina summer became, Ammon was the one who would reliably head outside to play, affectionately calling Calvin "skinny boy."

With a collection of hot sauces that filled the kitchen shelves and a vocabulary often punctuated by a well-timed "Bruh," Ammon moved through the world with a gentle, agreeable nature. If someone wanted to catch a late-night movie, go shopping, or play a round of Magic, or hit up a midnight Taco Bell run, Ammon was always ready to go. He leaves behind a legacy of music, humor, and a quiet, steadfast kindness that his family will carry with them forever.

A funeral service to honor Ammon's life will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 5060 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC.