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At the heart of Roy’s life was his family.

Roy Thomas Russell, born March 25, 1939, passed away on October 6, 2026, leaving behind a life marked by faith, hard work, devotion, and love for family.

Roy retired after 32 years with Phelps Dodge, a reflection of his steady commitment and strong work ethic. Beyond his years of service, he was known for the things that brought him joy and defined the way he lived: fishing, baseball, and, above all, loving and providing for his family. Those who knew him will remember a man whose life was rooted in care for the people closest to him.

His faith was an important part of his life. Roy was a Deacon and member of Edgefield Baptist Church, and he also sang as a member of the choir and male chorus. He took pride in serving his church and community. Among the accomplishments he held dear was being listed on the ballot for City Commissioner with Barak Obama, a distinction that reflected his willingness to stand up and be counted in public life.

At the heart of Roy’s life was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Russell, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. He also leaves to cherish his memory his children, Deacon Norman M. (Leisea D.) Russell, Sr., Delores E. Russell, Audrey D. (Rev. Dr. Timothy A.) Collazo, and Rosalind Russell. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Martelle L. (Ashli) Leavell, Cortez E. (Diana) Leavell, Aniqua D. Collazo, Norman M. Russell, Jr., Calvin Thomas Knight, and De'Asia Smith, and through his great-grandchildren, Xavier McCord-Leavell, Calvin Knight, Ka'Lia Knight, Jo'el Leavell, Pernell Knight, Namylah Russell, Jada Leavell, Christian Leavell, Marli Leavell, Norie Russell, Lilliana Slycord, and Nova Russell.

Roy is also survived by his siblings, James (Shirley) Henry, Elizabeth Russell, George (Clara) Russell, Sandra Taylor, Dwight Russell, Frances Russell, Billy (Dorothy) Russell, and Rita Long. Their lives, together with the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, stand as a lasting testament to the love and strength he shared so freely.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Cynthia Mae Russell; his father, Henry Lee Russell; his brother, Timothy Russell; his sister, Cornelia McReynolds; his sister, Laura Bell Hester; and his brother, Jeff Russell. Their memory remained part of the story of his life, and now he rests among those who went before him.

Visitation will be held on October 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Edgefield Baptist Church on Pembroke Road, Pembroke, Kentucky 42266. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Edgefield Baptist Church. Burial will take place on October 17, 2026, at Green Hill Memorial Gardens (Ancestral Haven), 5325 Cadiz Road, Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240.

Roy Thomas Russell will be remembered as a faithful man, a provider, a church servant, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. His life touched many, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved him.