Thomas Jackson “Jackie” Russell III, 64, passed away on Saturday at his home in Huntsville. He was born to Thomas Jackson Russell II and Ruth McWhorter Russell in Huntsville Hospital and grew up in Valhermosa Springs. Jackie worked for Chrysler for 30 years until his retirement. He was a two-term president of Local UAW 1413 and a member of the national negotiating team.
Jackie was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Peggy Russell; children, Sean Russell of Huntsville, Dreama Russell Spradley (Kevin) of Huntsville, Angela “Niki” Pessoney (John) of Huntsville, Gray Maddox of Birmingham, Ryan Maddox of Los Cruces, NM; sister, Beverly Russell Towry (Weldon) of Huntsville; uncle, Bill Russell of Huntsville; aunt, Mary Foster of Ormond Beach, FL; nephews, Todd Blass and Justin Towry, both of Huntsville; grandchildren, Russell and Davis Spradley of Huntsville; and many other treasured family members and friends.
He was a member of First Christian Church in Valhermoso Springs and Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville. Jackie enjoyed Alabama football, good music, fast cars and motorcycles. Jackie believed in the American way while he influenced and changed numerous lives through work and play. He often voiced his opinions through editorials in the Huntsville Times and you could always count on a good story, or two.or three from Jackie.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Glenn Conner officiating. Burial will be in Valhermoso Springs Cemetery. (www. laughlinservice.com)
Memorials may be made to Hospice Family Care.
