Robert Clayton Russell, age 75, husband of Rachel Baker Russell, and a resident of the Theta Community, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Maury Regional Medical Center, after a long battle with dementia.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Beech Grove Church of Christ. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Following the service, a fellowship meal will take place at the church.
Born on July 20, 1949, in Franklin, Tennessee, Clayton was the son of the late Archie Charles Russell, Sr. and the late Laura Agnes Harris Russell. He was a 1967 graduate of Hillsboro High School in the Leiper’s Fork Community and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee. He married Rachel Baker on August 13, 1971.
Clayton dedicated his professional career to General Electric, where he worked as a controlman until his retirement. In his leisure time, he found joy in bowling, playing horseshoes, and watching sports, especially Vanderbilt University, the Atlanta Braves, and the Columbia Academy Bulldogs.
A devout member of Beech Grove Church of Christ, Clayton served faithfully as a deacon and song leader, sharing his love for God and gospel singing with his church family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Matthew Russell of Columbia, brother, John (Brenda) Russell of Theta, sisters, Jeanetta Tomlin of Columbia, Jan Kilgore of Chapel Hill, Beth (Jim) Richardson of Spring Hill, sisters in law, Sue Russell, Shirley Russell, and Blanche Russell, several nieces and nephews; very special family member, Bobby Bishop, the stepfather who lovingly raised Kirby’s children; and Angela Salazar, our neighbor and Hispanic sister, who cared for and watched over Clayton and all of us.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Hollie Rachel Russell, and siblings, Bubba Russell, Houston Russell, Jerry Russell, and Kirby Russell, brothers-in-law Johnny Tomlin and Jim Kilgore.
