Russell B. Hebert, Jr.

Russell Benedict Hébert, Jr., husband of Judith Bercegeay Hébert, of Clemson, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Russ was born in Savannah, GA, a son of the late Johnny Crosby Hébert Bowyer and Russell B. Hébert, Sr. He was a proud 1958 graduate of Benedictine Military School in Savannah and a 1963 graduate of Clemson University, where he was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

While at Clemson, he was a member of Tiger Brotherhood, Pershing Rifles, and Kappa Delta Chi/Sigma Nu fraternity, where he served as president. In addition, Russ was Attorney General of the SC State Student Legislature and Chairman of the High Court at Clemson.

Following graduation from Clemson, he served as a Lieutenant in the US Army, and was Company Commander of the Missile Command Company in Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama.

He returned to Clemson in 1966 and began a long and distinguished career in real estate brokerage and development. He founded Foothills Real Estate, which became Foothills Gallery of Homes and later, RE/MAX Foothills Real Estate. He was honored as Realtor of the Year and served as President of Tri County Board of Realtors, Director of the Tri County Board of Realtors, and a State Director. In 1974, he served as President of the Home Builders Association of Oconee and was named “Builder” of the Year. He became actively involved in the Clemson community, where he served as a member of the City of Clemson policy steering committee and Chairman of the City of Clemson Planning Committee. In 1976, he was the Pickens County representative to the South Carolina Council of Governments.

He was an active member, former Sunday school teacher, and member of the parish council at St. Andrew Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic minister for several years.

Russ enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, and playing cards with dear friends. He had a special love for storytelling, dancing, music, cooking, and simply sitting in a rocking chair.

Above all, Russ was a family man and considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 59 years are his sons, Russell B. Hébert III (Christy) of Pendleton and Wyck C. Hébert (Jodie) of Austin, TX; daughters, Angela C. Hébert of Greenville, SC and Kathryn H. Tompkins (Stephen) of Clemson; brother, Paul V. Hébert (Bonnie) of Oak Ridge, TN; sister, Angela H. Straight (Roger) of Savannah, GA; grandchildren, Kathryn Beck (Nick), Victoria Myers (Nick), Hunter Hébert, Mason Hébert, Kayce Hébert, Drew Hébert, Hayden Hébert, Alex Hébert, Bailey Tompkins, Leah Tompkins, and Crosby Tompkins; and great grandchildren, Madelyn Myers, Jude Beck, and Annabelle Myers.

A special thanks is given to Clyde Webb for being Russ’s companion and caregiver.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at St. Andrew Catholic Church. The family requests all to join them for a Celebration of Russ’s Life to be held in the Fellowship Hall at the church immediately following the service. Members of the Kappa Delta Chi fraternity will serve as honorary pallbearers.

A private graveside committal will be held later at Old Stone Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kappa Delta Chi Brotherhood Unrestricted Scholarship Endowment in care of the Clemson University Foundation, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633 or to the Saint Andrew Capital Campaign, 209 Sloane St., Clemson, SC 29631.