Obituary of James Ray Russell

Mr. James Ray Russell, age 93 of Hartsville, TN passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024 at Hartsville Health and Rehab.

James was born on September 25, 1930 to the late Johnnie Hampton Russell and Naomi Goodman Russell. He graduated from Trousdale County High School in 1951 and joined the Navy shortly thereafter. After honorable discharge, he returned home and joined his father in Russell’s Popcorn Service. He would continue farming and running this longtime family business until its sale in 2016 with the help of his loving wife, Annie Bell McClanahan, whom he married on December 14, 1957.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: Brother, Bill (Rose) Russell.

Survived by: Wife, Annie Bell Russell; Daughter, Lisa Russell; Sons, Gary (Joyce) Russell and Ray (Susan) Russell; Brother, Pat Russell; Grandchildren, Megan (Kelan) Lee, Derek Crowder, Michael (Kate) Russell, and Nicholas Crowder; Great Grandchildren, Merceah Lee, Kembrey Lee, and Nixon Crowder. 

Funeral services will be held at Anthony Funeral Home at 1pm on Thursday, May 9, 2024 conducted by Bro. Carroll Carman. Interment with military honors will be in the Hartsville Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 4-8pm on Wednesday and 10am until service time on Thursday. Pallbearers are: Michael Russell, Derek Crowder, Nicholas Crowder, Jason Russell, Brian Russell, and Carlos Keene. Honorary pallbearers are: Jonah Russell, Stephen Russell, Kelan Lee, Jimmy Crowder, Jackie Brown, and Gary Tomlinson.

The family would like to thank the administration and staff of Hartsville Health and Rehab for their care and comfort during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Main Missionary Baptist Church, mailing addres is 315 Old Lafayette Rd., Hartsville, TN 37074.

Anthony Funeral Home, 337 McMurry Blvd. E, Hartsville, TN 37074, 615-374-2280, www.anthonyfhhartsville.com.