Funeral services for George Ewell Russell, 97, will be Friday, February 24th, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Decatur, with Dr. Blake Kersey officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow in Decatur City Cemetery.
Mr. Russell passed away on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, at his residence. Mr. Russell was born on November 18th, 1925, in Decatur, to George Minor and Bessie Bussey Russell. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 63 years, Trudye Russell; and sister, Eugenia Faye Bynum.
Mr. Russell was a graduate of Auburn University and a United States World War II veteran. He was a cattleman and served as President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. He was the founder and co-owner of Valley Stockyard. Mr. Russell was a 68-year member of Rising Sun Masonic Lodge in Decatur, a lifetime member of Decatur York Rite, and a 53-year member of the Cahaba Shrine. He also was a member of the Decatur Jaycees. Mr. Russell was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Decatur.
Mr. Russell is survived by his children, Anne Musso (Jack), Lynne Greene (Howard), George Russell, Jr., and Beth Blair (Edward); grandchildren, Wendy Jackson, Mollie Ladd, Savannah Bunnell, Jenna Russell, Kylei Russell, and Georgia Blair; great-grandchildren, Sophie Jackson, and Mack Jackson; and fourteen nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Howard Greene, Jack Musso, Edward Blair, George Russell, Rudy Gingerich, and Mack Jackson.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes or Hospice of the Valley.
