Luther Jerry Russell

Luther Jerry Russell (80), the man, the myth, the legend, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Christ Jesus on Friday, August 6, 2021. Born in Elizabethton, Tennessee, on Friday, April 22, 1941, to Luther Reece and Lena Florence Russell, both of whom precede him, he was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry and Kate Russell and Lon and Nannie Hyder; as well as a brother, Gary Lynn Russell.
Jerry was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving stoically after having been drafted twice. He was a man of integrity, humility, and of few words; but when he spoke people listened. He enjoyed playing and watching all sports; he played basketball, baseball, and golf in his later years. He also enjoyed being our coach. He retired from Norfolk Southern Railway after 33 years of faithful service. He was a husband for 58 years, the loving man that he was, to his sweetheart Linda and loved her with all his heart; and took good care of her with his big strong arms. Together they sought to glorify God in raising their family. Above all, Jerry was a faithful disciple of Christ who desired to be the hands and feet of our King wherever he went and to share the Gospel with whomever he met.
Jerry was a father for 46 years to Shane and Jared Russell, whom he also loved with all his heart. He picked us up with his big hands when we fell and was firm we needed it. He became a father-in-law 20 years ago to Kim Russell who was like a daughter to him. Almost 14 years ago he became a grandfather to Ethan Russell whom he treated like a son he could spoil. He loved them both with all his heart too.
Knowing what I know now I can say there is someone Jerry (Dad) loved more, as we all should, and that is our King, our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. For he now has gone past the outer courts and into the Holy place; his lips have been cleansed and now can see Jesus’ Glory and Face. Jerry (Dad) didn’t want this funeral about him, but about Christ because He is the propitiation, that is an appeasement, for our sins. As he gave us all his love, God the Father gave us His Son. How much more love could God give? His love is a Holy and perfect love that gives us (believers) no cause to fear and “We love because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at West Salem Baptist Church, 500 Turner Road, Salem, Va., 24153. Service will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Nick Shaffer officiating. Jerry will be laid to rest on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Happy Valley Memorial Park, 2708 Elizabethton Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to West Salem Baptist Church at the address above.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.