Funeral services for Raymond E. Russell age 81 of Fayetteville, will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Massey and Bro. Don Gatlin officiating. Burial will follow in Higgins Cedar Hills Memorial Gardens. Mr. Russell passed away Wednesday in Huntsville Hospital.
A native of Lincoln County, Mr. Russell was the son of the late Luther and Nannie Lee Johnson Russell, and a member of the West Fayetteville Church of Christ. Mr. Russell was a retired self-employed Master Mechanic owning and operating several filing stations in Fayetteville. After retirement he remodeled several houses and the old Terrace Motel which he saved from demolition. He was an accomplished carpenter and mastered anything he attempted. He and his band were local favorites singing and playing guitar on the local radio station in the 1950’s. He was always willing to help others and was a devoted family man.
Preceded in death by his father, Luther Coleman Russell, and mother Nannie Lee Johnson Russell, brothers William and James Russell, sisters, Virginia Terrell, Dorothy Thornberry, Thelma Burt, Christine Hulsey.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years Dean Lanier Russell of Fayetteville, three daughters; Vickie Porter and husband Randy of Fayetteville, Kathy Saylor and husband Barry of Hazel Green, AL, Lisa Todd and husband Gerald of Fayetteville, one son Michael Russell of Fayetteville, grandchildren Kayley Russell, Brady Porter, Bryan Shelton, Brent Porter, Brandon Todd, Stephen Saylor, Blake Todd and Bradley Saylor, great-grandchildren, Cameron and Carolyn Porter, Erin, Bailey and Lilliy Shelton and Ben Porter, two brothers Charles Russell of Tullahoma, TN, Frank Russell of Grand Prairie,TX, and one sister Peggy Englant of Beech Grove, TN.
He is the most beloved Father and Husband.
Visitation with the family will be 5-8 p.m. Friday evening at Higgins Funeral Home.
O man thou are the most beloved. I miss and love you so much my sweet daddy.
Mrs. Russell:
So sorry to hear of your husband’s death. He was such a nice man when I used to stop at his service station. When me and Henry got married, he gave Henry some money for our honeymoon. Also, my daddy, Woodrow Wiseman and Raymond worked for Kraft. My daddy drove a milk truck for several years. He was a friend of my daddy.
I didn’t know he had passed away. I would have come to the funeral if I had known. So sorry.
He always had a smile on his face and very friendly. I didn’t realize how talented he was till I read about him in the paper.
May God put His loving arms around you in this very difficult time. I know how lonely and hard this is. God and time will help ease the pain, but there will always be a whole in your heart for the love you have for your husband..
I pray that God will shower you with His love.
Sincerely, Katie
To the Raymond E. Russell family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your beautiful memories carry you through this difficult time.
God Bless,
Virgil and Peggy G. Bevels
We were so very sad to hear of Mr Raymond’s death. Our prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of such a wonderful man. We pray that God comforts you at this time.
Love,
Lee Scott family
I am very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of the family. Time, fond memories, and belief in a higher power will help you through your sorrow.
Mike and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that I am lifting you up in prayer. In Christian Love, Jane (Shaddy) Osgood
Dean,
I was saddened to read about Raymond’s death. I know the pain of losing a husband and wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for God’s comfort during this time. I remember so well when you and Raymond and your girls would come to my dad’s grocery store years ago. Does not seem possible that it has been so long ago. Peace and blessings!