Russell Warren Heald (1951–2021) was a distinguished trial attorney, decorated military officer, and respected mentor whose career reflected a lifelong commitment to excellence and service.
A native of Galveston, Texas, Russ graduated from Louisiana State University in 1973, where he earned his BBA and was a three-year letterman on the LSU Tigers football team. Following graduation, he pursued another lifelong ambition—serving as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Stationed in Germany at Hahn Air Force Base, Captain Heald flew the F-4 Phantom II with the “Fighting Tenth” fighter squadron. After six years of military service and earning a master’s degree from Troy State University, he was honorably discharged in 1980.
Russ then turned his focus to the law. He graduated with honors from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1983 and went on to build a nationally respected career as a trial lawyer. Double board certified and widely regarded as a “lawyer’s lawyer,” Russ tried more than 150 jury trials to verdict and earned the respect of judges, colleagues, and opponents alike. Known for his ability to connect with juries, his sharp intellect, and his unwavering professionalism, Russ built a reputation as one of the country’s most accomplished courtroom advocates.
Throughout his career, Russ practiced at several respected Texas firms, including Benckenstein, Norvell, Bernsen & Nathan in Beaumont and later Hilliard & Heald and Adams & Heald. In the final years of his career, he joined Hilliard, Martinez, & Gonzales in Corpus Christi, where he was deeply valued as both a trial lawyer and a mentor to younger attorneys.
In addition to his legal career, Russ served as an adjunct professor at Lamar University for more than a decade and authored the book The Wrong Case. He was also active in his faith community and volunteer work.
Above all, Russ was devoted to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria, and his three sons, Nick, Jeff, and Sean, of whom he was immensely proud.
Russ’s legacy lives on through the many lawyers he mentored, the clients he served, and the family who loved him.