Mr. Russell “Rowdy” Comegys, age 45, of Vidalia died Sunday afternoon, July 23, 2017 in Bulloch County from injuries sustained in an automobile accident while traveling to Savannah with his close friend to watch a movie.

Russell was a native of Cedartown, GA and moved with his family to Vidalia in 1976.  He quickly made an impact upon the hearts of people in Vidalia as Russ was crowned Little Mr. Vidalia in 1978.  He graduated from Vidalia High School in 1991 where he was voted best looking of his class, played on the high school football team where he earned several varsity letters; and then attended Brewton Parker College where he studied Science Literature.  He then followed his dream and went to the University of Georgia where he graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama with a minor in Spanish.  
In 2001 Russell attended the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theater Institute in New York City.

Russell was an actor who passionately followed his dream. He lived for many years in New York City, Los Angeles and also Atlanta where he was always looking for the next acting opportunity.  He was a member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and was represented by The People Store Talent Agency of Atlanta.  He appeared in over 33 movies and television shows including, Rectify, The Walking Dead, Solace, The Lucky One, Necessary Roughness, Vampire Diaries, Dead Birds, The Gift, Sun Records and The Punisher.

Although he was always called “Rowdy” he had a giving soul who loved all people as he truly never met a stranger.  He had a genuine heart for people in need and homeless animals.  He recently devoted nearly two years of his life taking care of and raising two homeless dogs until he found the perfect family to adopt them in Maine.

Russell is survived by his mother, Gayle Comegys of Vidalia; his father, Alex Comegys (Vicki) of Vidalia; his sister, Robyn Comegys Parson of Vidalia; his two nieces, Kailee and Cassidy Parson, both of Richmond Hill; his girlfriend of ten years, Lauren Boyle of Los Angeles CA and his step-son Jahsua Johnson of Los Angeles CA; his uncle Maylon Lane (Oleria) of Roopville GA; his step-brother, Neil Persohn of Lakeland FL and his step-sister, Lindsay Persohn (Chris) of Lakeland FL.  He is also survived by many other relatives and numerous special friends all over the country.

Funeral Services for Mr. Russell “Rowdy” Comegys will be held Thursday July 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Stewart-Rosier Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel with Reverend Don Moye officiating. Entombment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening at Stewart-Rosier Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  

Stewart-Rosier Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel is in charge of funeral arrangements.