Robert Hosey Russell, Sr., in his home at 6pm, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, went peacefully to be with
his Lord and Savior.
Born in Lake Providence, LA, Robert was the first born of Herman Sr. and Anner Mary Russell.
When his family moved to New Orleans, they attended New Hope Baptist Church, where Robert
came to know the Lord and was baptized at an early age by Rev. Freddie H Dunn.
Educated in the Orleans Parish schools, he graduated from St Augustine High School in 1972 and
furthered his education at Southern University of New Orleans. He met Karen Smith in 1974 and
they were married, September 30th 1978. The Lord blessed them with three sons, Robert, Bryan
and Shane.
The family moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1987 then to Huntsville, AL in 1995, where they became
members of Farley Community Church, under the leadership of Pastors David Blakeney and
Mike Hulsey.
Robert was a trucker for more than 35 years, a job he truly enjoyed. In the summers, he’d often
take his sons along and sometimes their friends as well. He was a quiet man with a gentle spirit,
but he wasn’t shy when talking to people about knowing Christ as their personal Savior,
especially other truckers.
He saw his family as a blessing from the Lord and loved spending time with them. He followed
his sons in their unique interests, delighting to take time with each of them. He affectionately
called his daughters-in-law, Dana, Margaret and Lauren, his “girls” and his eight grandchildren
were his heart. “His eyes weren’t big enough for them,” recalls Karen, his wife of 46 years.
He also loved restoring cars, and his cooking was highly appreciated by his neighbors.
On May 28, 2023, Robert was diagnosed with cancer. After battling for nearly two years, he told
his wife, “I’m not afraid to die because I know where I’m going. I just don’t want to leave you
and those kids.” One day, he excitedly explained to Karen that he had a plan for getting out of
hospice. Uncertain, Karen asked him how. He simply said, “The Lord!” He passed away two days
later.
Robert’s parents preceded him in death, as did his grandmothers Cora Duke and Pearl Turner,
his grandfather Herman Russell, his mother-in-law Effie G. Smith, and sister-in-law Beatrice
Russell.
Remaining to cherish his memory are: his wife Karen S. Russell, his sons and daughters-in-law
Robert H. Russell, Jr. (Dana), Bryan A. Russell (Margaret), and Shane M. Russell (Lauren); his
grandchildren Ayden, Gracie, Kayla, Marissa, Max, Alec, Reagan, and Titus; his brother Herman
Russell, Jr and sister Kim Russell Variste (Carl); sisters-in-law Kathy S. Mitchell (Jeffrey) and Myra
Smith; brother-in-law Willie Michael Smith (Andrea); father-in-law Rev. Willie R. Smith; aunts
Rose Mary Shoemaker, Robbie Broussard, Freddie Drummer, Lois Riddick, Pearl Erato, Claudette
White, and Paula Russell; uncles Ira Russell, Clarence Russell and Tommy Russell; and a host of
nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank those who prayed, called, texted, and visited Robert throughout
his illness. A special thanks to his medical team, Dr. Bodoya and his nurse Patricia at Clearview
Cancer Institute, as well as Dr. Rini at Vanderbilt.
The family is grateful for the staff of Hospice of North Alabama- RN Nevia Washington, chaplain
Todd Oldham, and social worker Ernest O’Toole, who treated Robert like he was their only
patient. The family would also like to thank Farley Community Church and the Tuesday morning
ladies Bible study class, for loving and praying for Robert from the beginning of his illness.
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and
if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this
end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.
– Romans 14:7-9 NKJ
Funeral service for Mr. Robert Hosey Russell, Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Calvary Bible Church (607 Drake Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35802) with officiants Reverend Byron Bradshaw & Minister Shane Russell
Interment will be in Meadowlawn Garden of Peace (450 Mt. Lebanon Road, Toney, AL 35773).
Mr. Russell will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025, and from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Royal Funeral Home.
The Russell family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Calvary Bible Church (607 Drake Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35802).
