Danny Earl Russell, 78, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the MS State Veterans Home in Oxford, MS. Danny was born in New Albany, MS to Moody Earl and Lou Allie Gafford Russell. He married Cheryl Latona “Tonie” Morris June 4, 1966. Danny served in the U. S. Army in Fort Campbell, KY, Fort Meade, MD then Long Bien, Vietnam from 1967-1969. He worked and retired twice from CSA (Central Service Association) after 43 years. He owned and operated Russell Deliveries Trucking Service for 4 years. He served on the board of Northeast Power Company for 12 years. He enjoyed working in his shed, all sorts of technology, spending time with his family and church, in his yard, camping and traveling. Danny’s most favorite time of the year was Christmas, especially cooking Christmas breakfast. He was a member of Thaxton Baptist Church for 49 years where he served as treasurer and a deacon.
Services will be Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00pm at Thaxton Baptist Church. Bro. Glen Reeder. Burial will follow in the Warren Cemetery. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors, wife, Cheryl Latona “Tonie” Russell; daughters, Dana Russell Troyer (Chris) of Delaware, OH, Amanda Gaye Ellis (Charles) , and Jenna Russell Kentner (Berry) of Pontotoc; 7 grandsons, Case Troyer (Hailey) of Gahanna, OH, Cole Troyer of Delaware, OH, Reece Kentner (Sydney) of Pontotoc, Ayden Ellis (Rena Claire) of Starkville, Rylan Kentner, Brooks Kentner and Bodhi Earl Ellis of Pontotoc; 1 great grandson, Benson Michael “Benny” Troyer of Gahanna, OH; sister, Donna Pettit of Thaxton; brother, Moody Gay Russell of Pontotoc; 3 sisters in law, Sue Morris, Doris Deas of Pontotoc and Lynda Bost of Saltillo; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by, his parents; sisters, Billie Joyce Bevil of Memphis and Bobbie Roden of Chesterville; brothers in law, Roland Morris, Ray Morris of Pontotoc, Gary Pettit of Thaxton and Cliff Roden of Chesterville; grandson, Russell Maddox Kentner of Pontotoc; nephews, Randy Bevil and Greg Russell of Memphis.
Pallbearers, grandsons, Case Troyer, Reece Kentner, Rylan Kentner, Brooks Kentner, Ayden Ellis and Bodhi Earl Ellis.
Visitation, 5:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday, January 20, 2026 and 12:00pm until service time Wednesday, January 21, 2026 all at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donate to Thaxton Baptist Church Building Fund or MS State Veterans Home in Oxford, MS.
