Russell Lloyd Barbee, age 40, of Schertz, Texas, passed away Sunday April 19, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.

Russell was born on March 10, 1986 in Charleston, South Carolina, a son of Philip Barbee and the late Donna Johnston Barbee.

Russell was a military brat, moving from South Carolina to North Carolina to Illinois, with his family finally settling in Texas when he was in the 5th grade. There, he started attending Randolph Schools, playing saxophone, was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and attained the rank of Eagle Scout, then graduated in 2004. He attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock and was part of the saxophone studio and the Goin’ Band from Raiderland where he made countless lifelong friends and met the love of his life, Stacey Svrcek. Russell graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education and moved back to the San Antonio area before marrying Stacey in 2010. He began his teaching career at Whittier Middle School in San Antonio ISD, later moving to Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD at Schlather Intermediate School and Dobie Junior High School, where he was a band director for the last twelve years. Russell and Stacey have been active members of the Heart of Texas Concert Band (tenor saxophone and trumpet, respectively), where they continued to foster their love for playing music and forming community. While saxophone was his main focus, Russell was proficient in music and loved learning new instruments, playing often, and teaching whenever he had the chance.

Russell’s generosity, silliness, and empathy were a light to this world and all that knew him. He cherished his family, friends, and students; consistently showing up and lending a hand without reservation. He cared about community and extended kindness indiscriminately. The world was better for his existence and he will be missed beyond measure.

Russell is survived by his loving wife Stacey Barbee, and his two wonderful sons Nathan (11) and Jackson (7); his father Philip Barbee; his brother Alan Barbee and his wife Jenna and their children; his mother-in-law Claire Svrcek and his father-in-law Frank Svrcek; his grandmother Pat Barbee; his aunt Vicki Laws; and numerous other loving family members and friends who will forever hold his memory close. He is preceded in death by his mother Donna Barbee; his grandparents Louis Barbee, Betty Johnston, and Lloyd Johnston.

Services will be held at the Schertz Funeral Home. A visitation will be held Friday April 24, 2026 from 5-8 pm. On Sunday April 26, 2026, a visitation will be held at 1:30 pm followed by funeral services at 2:30 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Russell’s name to the Heart of Texas Concert Band. Donations can be made online (https://heartoftexasconcertband.org/index-2-2/donate-today/) or by mail-in check to:

Heart of Texas Concert Band

2800 NE Loop 410 Ste 307

San Antonio TX 78218