Greenville -Russell Scott Ryder Sr., 72, passed away peacefully May 17, 2024. Russell was born November 23, 1951,in South Paris, the son of Richard and Jean Colby Ryder. Russell grew up in Maine and then moved to Massachusetts and then eventually moved back to Maine and became a lifelong resident of Greenville, where he lived for the last 50 years. Russell was very well known around Greenville, a celebrity in his own right because he knew everyone and everyone knew him it seemed for the obvious reason, that he had the biggest heart and kind personality. It would have been impossible for anyone not to like him. His biggest dream in life was to have a place where he could spend time with his family. The dream he talked most of was having a place on the water where family could gather along with him to just enjoy the simple things in life. Well, that dream came true when his son Russell Jr. and his wife, Gina, bought a camp lot in Lincoln. Russell Sr. was beyond ecstatic about this because he knew what he always dreamed of had finally come true. He had a small camp built to put on the camp lot which was his pride and joy, so much so he carried a picture of his camp in his shirt pocket daily to remind him through the winter months that he would be there again in the spring. Even though he will not be able to be there anymore, his spirit will always reside at camp, the place he called his “Happy Place”. When he was at camp with family you could see the sparkle in his eyes, even when just sitting by the water in his chair watching and listening to his family laughing, talking and fishing. He loved to sit by the fire at night and share his life stories while family listened and let him take center stage, because he had many stories to tell of his life adventures, and anyone that knew him knew his life stories and he sure did have many. He loved when his son, Russell Jr., and son in law, Robert, would cook a feast for him, and these feasts were literally fit for a King because he was the King of camp and always will be in spirit. He especially loved the meal of what he called “black chicken”, that of being chicken very well done on the grill and a side of pasta salad. Russell also loved spending time at his home with his four cats Jack, Jill ,Little One, and Fluffernutter. Russell is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann Ryder of Greenville; daughter, Paula and her husband, Robert Taylor of Saco; son, Russell Ryder Jr. and his wife, Gina of Lincoln; daughter, Tracy and her husband, Randy Antil of Dudley, Massachusetts; four stepchildren that he thought of as being his own, Robert Boudreau of Charlton, Massachusetts, Sandy Lyford of Delaware, and Wendy Boudreau and Tina Ainsworth both of Waterville; his 15 beloved grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; and his best friend, Roger Warman of Greenville. Russell joins his mother, Jean Ryder; father, Richard Ryder; and son, Shawn Ryder in eternal life. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed that www.laryfuneralhome.com