Both men were friends for more than 50 years.
Both were named last year as 2013 Georgia Trustees by the Georgia Historical Society.
And both, commercial real estate icon Herman J. Russell and Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, left legacies of entrepreneurship and philanthropy after passing just two months apart this year.
Chick-fil-A acknowledged Russell’s and Cathy’s friendship and contributions on Friday with a full-page ad as the city prepared for Russell’s memorial service on Saturday.
Russell died Nov. 15 at age 83. Cathy died Sept. 8 at age 93.
A public viewing for Russell continues Friday until 3 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 101 Jackson St., Atlanta, followed by a wake from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Speakers at the wake will include U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. U.S. Rep. John Lewis, U.S. Rep. David Scott and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.
A service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Saint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road SE, Atlanta.
Both Russell and Cathy were not only accomplished businessmen, but also noted philanthropists. In naming the two as Georgia Trustees last year, Georgia Historical Society President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Groce said, “Their leadership and selflessness have shaped the destiny of our state and nation.”
Chick-fil-A’s ad in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday noted, “As iron sharpens iron, we know these men made each other aspire to do more, to achieve more, to give more.”
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