Russell James Day

Russell James Day, 85, of Lexington, KY, passed Monday, March 30, 2020. Born in Middletown, OH, son of the late Myrtle Adams Mynhier and Jessie James Day, “Coach” graduated from Lemon Monroe High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Morehead State University and his masters from Xavier University. He was a member of Southside Christian Church of Christ in Lexington. Russ had been a head coach for 39 years in Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. This had been at the high school, prep school and college level. Coach Day’s longest stint had been as the head coach at Bourbon County High School for 25 years where he was also the driver’s education instructor. While at Bourbon County, Coach Day lead the team to the state runner up title in 1984, 10th regional champs in 1980 and 1984, 10th regional finals in 1980, 1984, 1989 and 1990 and numerous district championships. Some of Coach Day’s Kentucky basketball highlights are: 10th Region Coach of the Year in 1980 and 1984; Head Coach of the Kentucky All-Stars vs Indiana in 1985; 10th Region Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, 1997; Bourbon County Hall of Fame, 1998; John McGill Rupp Arena Sweet 16 Hall of Fame, 2002; KY Association of Basketball Coaches Court of Honor, 2006; Assistant Coach Kentucky All-Stars vs Ohio, 2006 and 16 regional tournament appearances. Other coaching accolades include: Ohio High School Basketball Hall of Fame, 1965; Dayton Jefferson Township Hall of Fame, 2004; Head Coach of MMI Prep High School, Millersburg, KY. Team was ranked #2 in the nation during the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 seasons. He also coached the Bourbon County High School tennis team to 3 regional championships and coached 2 future NBA players. Coach Day enjoyed working out with his friends at the gym, playing golf and tennis, his church life and most of all spending time with his family. Whether teaching his grandchildren to drive or dinner and a movie, Coach loved being around his family. Coach was a wonderful father, a loving grandfather and great grandfather and a devoted and gracious husband. He never met a stranger and a was great friend and mentor to many. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Laura Lee Day. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Peggy Warren Day; two daughters, Dee Dee Douglas, Paris, Kimi Wells, Louisville; sister, Glenna Clair, OH; two step daughters, Donna Sizemore (Stan), Debi Carey (Don) both of Lexington. Coach is also survived by ten grandchildren, Patrick, Ben, of Louisville, Jasen, Major, of Paris, Jeremiah (Sarah), Susannah, Sarah (Chase), Joshua (Kelsey), Micah, Kate (Nick), all of Lexington, nine great grandchildren and several nieces. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place once we can gather together again. Please check Clark Legacy’s website for future information regarding this.