John Tommy Russell of Greenville, AL passed away on May 16, 2017 in Bay Minette, AL at the State Veterans' Home. He was born on September 24, 1933 in Butler County and lived in Greenville most of his life. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Griffin Russell, his son Michael Lane Russell (Alice) of Nashville, TN, his daughter Gail Russell McKeown (Phillip) of Deatsville, AL, granddaughters Olivia Russell Parker (Jameson) of Houston, TX and Rebecca Lane Russell of Montevallo, AL, and grandson Justin Russell McKeown of Deatsville, AL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Frank Russell and Lois Cauthen Russell Thompson, and a brother, Charles Ruis Russell, Mr. Russell is also survived by his brother James MacDonald Russell (Joy) and three sisters: Jackie Russell Mone (Biff), Brenda Joyce Russell, and Peggy Russell Stough (Vaughn).
Upon graduation from Greenville High School, Mr. Russell entered the United States Navy and then transferred to the Army. He served in Germany during the Korean War and then returned to Greenville where he married Virginia and raised their family. He worked for the Alabama Department of Transportation for 38 years and was the District Engineer for Butler and Lowndes County when he retired. He also served in the Army National Guard for 30 years and earned the rank of Master Sergeant.
Mr. Russell was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Greenville. He was an avid golfer and loved to hunt and fish, especially with his son and later his grandson and son-in-law. In his retirement years, he served as a member of the American Legion and enjoyed volunteering each summer at the Florida State Park in Santa Rosa, FL. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his commitment to his country, and his devotion to his family, especially his loving wife Virginia with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in September.
There will be a graveside service at Magnolia Cemetery in Greenville at 11:00 a.m. on Friday with Reverend Chase Clower and Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home directing. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Greenville.