Charles I. Russell, Jr.

It is with some earthly sorrow we announce the heavenly passing of Charles I Russell, Jr., age 83 of Dandridge, TN. Charles fought a long battle over many years with some amazing victories when doctors had given up many times. He grew a great love for his Lord through those battles and was faithful to share his testimony with all who would listen and faithful still to pray for those who wouldn’t.

He passed peacefully to his new heavenly home that he has been longing for in the morning hours of November 17, 2025 with his wife that he cherished for over 63 years and his daughter by his side.

Charles never took retirement seriously and would retire from one place only to move on to his next adventure. He first retired from UPS after 31 years. He gained many lifelong friends and much respect from all those he worked with.

His second retirement was from Dollywood after 15 years. He loved his Dollywood family. Lastly, he retired from Buds Gun Shop and Range after 9 years. If you were ever on the range while he was in charge, you did so safely or he would not think twice to show you the door.

Charles was born February 7, 1942 in Knoxville, TN to parents Charles I. Russell, Sr. and Violet Livesay Russell.

Charles graduated from Fulton High School in 1961, then served in the US Army from 1961-1964 and finally followed into the Army reserve. He loved his Lord and his country.

Charles did not have a lifelong relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. However, when they met face to face in a hospital room at UT Hospital in 2010, he began a journey for and with Jesus to make up for lost time. His greatest blessing from that journey was uniting with The Crossing Church in Kodak, TN. He absolutely loved his church and church family. He was deeply saddened when his health prevented him from gathering with that family every time the doors were open. He would say if you don’t have a church home to go to, then go to The Crossing Church. They will be your family and grow you in the Lord through truth and scripture.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles I. Russell, Sr. and Violet Russell; sister, Doris Witt (brother-in-law, Don Witt); niece, Donna Tindell and nephew, Wayne Witt; sister-in-law, Judy Davenport.

He is survived by and will be most sadly missed by the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Jeanette Russell of Dandridge, TN. He also leaves a son that he was so proud of and cared deeply for, Charles “Chuck” Joseph Russell of Alaska (loving partner Susan); cherished daughter, Terri Beeler (Randy); his dearly loved grandchildren, Hannah Bates (Wesley), Jonah Beeler, Aaron Russell (Autumn), Noah Beeler, Elijah Beeler, Isaiah Beeler; great grandchildren, Maddy and Leah Bates who were his newest loves; Sister-in-law, Jody Berry (Daymond); brother-in-law, Roger Davenport; and many loved nephews and nieces.

Family will receive friends 5:00-7:00pm Thursday, November 20, 2025, at The Crossing Church, 2941 Douglas Dam Road Kodak, TN 37764, with service to follow at 7:00pm, Pastor Kermit McPeek officiating. Family and friends will meet at 10:45am Friday, November 21, 2025, at Greenwood Cemetery for an 11:00am interment. Pallbearers: Randy Beeler, Jonah Beeler, Noah Beeler, Elijah Beeler, Isaiah Beeler, and Wesley Bates. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com