L.V. Russell, 87, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Helen Keller Hospital, Sheffield, AL after a brief illness. After retiring from Xerox in Illinois where he worked as a machinist, L.V. began his second and most enjoyed career at Vina High School where he touched the lives of many community children. L.V. spent countless hours driving students and sports teams all over the state. He considered it a privilege to be a part of the lives of the kids and to cheer for their teams. He was loved by many.
L.V. was a member of Vina First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He was an active member of the Franklin County Baptist Association where he participated in mission trips, helping to rebuild many communities.
He loved spending time with his family and friends and traveling with his sweetheart, Ginger and his family. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye, and he would do anything for his friends. He hosted weekly coffees at his house for decades, welcoming everyone with good conversation and the best homemade biscuits. He will be forever missed.
Services will be Saturday, March 22, 2 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL with Bro. Steve Ledbetter and Bro. Mark Daniel officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, March 22, 12-2 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL. Burial will be in Pilot Hill Cemetery, Vina, AL. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his daughters, Debbie (Joel) Aldridge and Cindy Friend; sister-in-law, Melody (Jeff) Wolwark; brother-in-law, Roy West; grandchildren, Joel Bruce Aldridge, Duell (Janie) Aldridge, Daryl (Mary Katherine) Aldridge, Danielle (Igor) Sadovyi, Eric (Hallie) Friend and Truly Chance and great-grandchildren, Addyson Aldridge, Declan Aldridge, Kai Aldridge and Smith Aldridge.
He is also survived by his cherished special friend, Ginger Gaddis; niece, Jennifer Bingham; great-nephews, Ben, Noah, and Seth and his precious dog, Chloe.
He was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-six years, Carolyn West Russell; his parents, Vonda and Lillian Russell; his brother, Virgil Russell; his granddaughter, Stacie Marie Aldridge and son-in-law, Randy Friend.
Pallbearers will be Joel Aldridge, Jeff Wolwark, Duell Aldridge, Daryl Aldridge, Eric Friend, Declan Aldridge, Kai Aldridge and Milton Gaddis. Honorary pallbearers will be Smith Aldridge, Igor Sadovyi, Danny Wooten, Paul Humphries and Michael Moomaw.
