Deacon Gregory Randolph Russell
Gregory Randolph Russell was born December 17, 1952 to the late Mr. and Mrs. William A. Russell Sr. in Birmingham, Alabama. He confessed Christ at an early age, he joined and was baptized at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Leeds, Alabama where he served faithfully as the Chairman of the Deacon board, and a Sunday School Teacher for many years under the leadership of Reverend Clyde Beverly Jr. He later joined Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church, Leeds AL. where he severed as a member of the Deacon board, member of the Finance committee and a member of the Male Chorus.
Gregory graduated from Leeds High School in 1971, from there his legacy began. He received his Associates Degree in Elementary Education from Jefferson State Junior College in 1973, Birmingham, Alabama. He furthered his education by earning his Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Education, at Talladega College in 1977, Talladega Alabama. While attending Talladega College, Deacon Russell became a member of The Talladega Tornadoes basketball team, as well as member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He dedicated his life to education and educating others.
In 1978, Deacon Russell began working at Iola Roberts Elementary, Pell City, AL. where he worked for 30 years before he retired. He not only had a love for education he had a passion for serving people and he did just that while at The Pants Store Leeds, and Birmingham, AL before he retired with 25 plus years of service.
Deacon Russell was a friend to all that knew him. He loved fishing, playing golf, shopping, cooking for his family as well as spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was called home on February 21, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, William A. Russell and Pearlie Mae Russell Black; one brother, Williams A. Russell Junior. He is survived by his helpmate and wife, Rodean C. Russell for 38 years; one devoted and God-fearing daughter, Alisicia Cheree Adams (Frederick L.), Huntsville, AL; two grandchildren, Hannah Lee Adams and Russell Eli Adams, whom he loved dearly; five brothers, Charles L. Russell (Sandra), Birmingham, AL, Albert S. Russell, Birmingham, AL, Jerome E. Russell (Cornelas), Birmingham, AL; Carl B. Russell, Leeds, AL, Barnard C. Russell (Leslie), Madison, AL; one sister, Mary P. Russell, Birmingham, AL; three God-children, Rodney Peterson, Erica Cowan and Alexis Burrell; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be 12:00 noon Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at the Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church (7324 Ruth Avenue, Leeds, AL 35094) with Pastor Gregory Moore officiating and Reverend Clyde Beverly, Jr., as eulogist. Interment will be in Moton Hill Cemetery (235 Texas Avenue, Leeds, AL 35094). Deacon Russell will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 26, 2018 at the Royal Funeral Home.
