Richard B. (Dick) Russell, age 77 of Hendersonville, passed away at his home on April 28, 2017. He was born on October 19, 1939, to Kathryn and William Russell, who precede him in death. He was a native of Greenville, Tennessee, but lived most of his life in Hendersonville. He graduated from Greeneville High School in 1957, attended the University of Tennessee, and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1959-1962. His long career in electronics and computer engineering began in Huntsville, Alabama, while employed with the NASA Apollo space program and continued for over forty years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville and he faithfully served in the Pre-school Ministry for 15 years.
Richard is survived by his wife of 24 years, Bettie; daughters, Susan Russell of Atlanta, Georgia, and Amy Russell of Greeneville, Tennessee; step-daughters, Stacy (Jimmy) Jenkins of Gallatin and Kerri (Ronnie) Bass of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Newton Welch, IV, Kayla Jenkins Slater, McKenzie Jenkins, Owen Bass and Ellis Bass; sister, Linda Russell Disney; brother, Bill Russell; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of extended family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon, April 30, from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at Austin & Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Service. His Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00am on Monday, May 1, in the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville with Reverend Roger Luther officiating. Interment will follow in Hendersonville Memory Gardens.
Friends of the family will serve as pallbearers.
His arrangements have been entrusted to Austin & Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 104 Sanders Ferry Road, Hendersonville TN, 37075. 615-822-4442
www.austinandbell.com