He was born and reared in Chester County, the son of the late John Franklin and Ruby Estelle Frye Russell. He graduated Chester County High School in 1975. He was married to Tina Guy in 1984. They made their home near Henderson. He worked at Grinnell Corp. for twenty years and was President of the Union for ten years and then for ADM Milling in Jackson in the maintenance department. He was a member of the Henderson Elks Lodge and had served as Exalted Ruler as well as other offices there. He was a member of the Old Friendship Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife Tina Guy Russell of Henderson; four brothers Frank Russell of Henderson, Don Russell of Willow Brook, IL, Joe Russell and Steven Russell both of Memphis; and a sister Teresa Leath of Henderson.