James F Russell Jr

View Funeral WebcastJames Forgey Russell, Jr., CDR, USN, 83, retired farmer and longtime resident of Williamsport, died Thursday, December 5, 2013 at NHC Hillview. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols with Rev. Donna Higginbotham officiating. Burial will follow in Williamsport Cemetery with military honors provided by the U. S. Navy. The family will visit with friends Monday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Williamsport Cemetery, c/o Jim Bratton, 3502 Jimmy Gray Robinson Road, Williamsport, TN 38487, Williamsport United Methodist Church, c/o Lauren Hall, 3609 Old Williamsport Road, Williamsport, TN 38487, or Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church, c/o Melissa Greer, 1920 Ivy Court, Columbia, TN 38401. Condolences may be offered online at www.oakesandnichols.com. The Maury County native was the son of the late James Forgey Russell, Sr. and Gladys Totty Russell. On December 11, 1954 he married Bettie Ann Parsons Russell who preceded him in death on December 13, 1994. He was a 1948 graduate of Columbia Central High School and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. A veteran of the U. S. Navy, Mr. Russell served on the USS Everglades during the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Ribbon and Navy Occupation Medal (European Clasp). He retired from the U. S. Naval Reserve as a Commander on August 7, 1990. The Scottish Rite 32nd degree Mason was also an Al Menah Shriner, member of Sons of Confederate Veterans, Columbia Elks Lodge, 60-year member of Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19, and Williamsport United Methodist Church. Survivors include two daughters, Victoria Ann Russell Cathey of Nashville; Betty Lynne Russell of Murfreesboro; grandson, James Rhett Williams of Murfreesboro; and sister, Patricia Russell Coleman of Murfreesboro. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Bethany Jane Russell Napier. Active pallbearers are Clay Buttrey, Jimmy Jones, Stan Napier, Rhett Williams, Mike Prince, Bill Fly, Tommy Fly, and T. Ladd. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Cummins Couch, Karen Perry, Robert Bell, staff of NHC Hillview, and the congregations of Williamsport and Mt. Nebo United Methodist Churches. The family wishes to extend special appreciation to Kay Lott, Judy Hull, Paula Rowland, Frank Jones, Jimmie Lee Jackson, Stan Napier, Bill Fly, Frank Cooper, JoAnn Armstrong, and Ed Moore for their friendship, care and concern through the years.