Obituary: Richard Boston “RB” Russell

Richard Boston “RB” Russell, age 87, went home to be with the Lord, February 4, at his home in Oliver Springs.

R.B. was born November 12, 1927. He grew up and continued to live in Coalfield until his marriage to his late wife of 51 years, Emma Jean Davis Russell.

While living in Coalfield, he was recognized as an outstanding football player at Coalfield High School and his athleticism followed him throughout his life.

He entered into the United States Army and served our country during the Korean War, where he received several commendations. 

He retired from the Tennessee Highway Patrol as a captain in 1990. He was a great community servant and he worked in various capacities in Oliver Springs. He was a charter member of the Oliver Springs Historical Society, he served on the Oliver Springs Equalization Board, and the Oliver Springs Housing Authority Board, and he was a longstanding member of the Oliver Springs Lions Club.

He was a faithful Christian and a member of Beech Park Baptist Church. He served Beech Park as a deacon, and he spent countless hours as the senior saints coordinator. Following his retirement, he enjoyed gardening and outdoor activities.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, John William and Ollie Jarnigan Russell; by a sister, Becky Heydel; and by brothers, Linis (Jesse), Junior, Kenneth, and Willis Russell.

R.B. is survived by daughters, Tammie Barger, and Gretchen Byrge and husband Danny of Oliver Springs; grandchildren, Brook Wilson and husband Nate, Brent Barger and wife Beth, and Jonathan Byrge and his fiancé Lavenia Whitley; and by great-grandchildren; Javen, Bailey, and Kylie Barger.

He is also survived by sisters, Arvana Helton, Betsy McGhee and husband Eugene, Elizabeth Baker and husband Joe, Lois “Tiny” Foster and Steva Lane Russell; by brother-in-laws, Allen Davis, David Davis, and Kenneth Heydel; sister-in-laws, Sherril Jackson and husband Jackie, Joyce Davis, and Judy Lawson and husband Larry; and by several nieces, nephews, extended family, and special friends, including Brian and Chris Davis, who were considered as grandchildren.

The family received friends Sunday, February 8, between 5 and 8 p.m,.at Beech Park Baptist Church. The funeral followed at 8 p.m. in the church sanctuary, with Pastor Robbie Leach and Pastor Gary Smith officiating. Burial and graveside services with full military honors, were held Monday, February 9, at 2 p.m. at Estes Cemetery in Coalfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Thompson Cancer Survival Center, the Estes Cemetery fund, or to the Oliver Springs Historical Society.

An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com, where we invite you to leave condolences and or messages. Sharp Funeral Home is honored to serve the Russell family.