“Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant.” In Loving Memory of Elder Frankie Dean Russell, A Life Honored, A Faith Remembered, A Legacy Continued.
There are lives that speak loudly, and there are lives that speak faithfully. Elder Frankie Dean Russell’s life spoke in a steady voice—one shaped by devotion to God, commitment to family, and a deep love for people. On August 23, 1954, he was born to the late Lem Russell and Hattie Lenora Mayes Russell, entering the world with a quiet strength that would define his years. On December 26, 2025, God, in His perfect wisdom, called him home, bringing to a close an earthly journey marked by service, humility, and love.
From his youth, Dean placed his trust in the Lord. He confessed his faith in Christ under the leadership of the late Elder Henry Tate Sr. at Booker Ridge Original Church of God in Hampshire, Tennessee. That church became a spiritual foundation where his faith was nurtured and his character refined. His walk with God was sincere and consistent, and in 2009, he answered the call to ministry when he was ordained as an Elder under the leadership of Pastor Frances Orr. Dean carried his calling with grace, never seeking recognition, but always ready to serve.
In 2022, Dean and his wife united with Ridley Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bruce Snipes, continuing a life rooted in worship, fellowship, and faithful attendance. Wherever he worshiped, Dean was known as a man of reverence, a man who listened more than he spoke, and a man whose life reflected the God he served.
Dean received his education at Hampshire Unit School, where he developed a love for basketball and learned the value of teamwork and discipline. Those lessons followed him into adulthood and into his work. He devoted more than twenty-five years of loyal service to Union Carbide, retiring after a long and honorable career. His strong work ethic also led him to employment with Catamaran Cruisers and Columbia Machine Works. Eventually, he stepped into entrepreneurship with his own business, Russell’s Hustle, offering his skills as a handyman, painter, landscaper, and helper wherever help was needed. Dean believed in honest work and took pride in providing for his family with his hands and his heart.
Yet beyond his labor and accomplishments, Dean will be remembered most for how he loved. He had a generous spirit and an open-door home. If someone needed a place to stay, a helping hand, or simply someone to talk to, Dean made room. His smile was warm, his words were thoughtful, and his care for others was genuine. He treated people with dignity and respect, no matter who they were, and that love left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Lem Russell and Hattie Mayes Russell; his former wife, Sheila Westmorland Russell; his son, Frankie Tyrone Russell; his brothers, Lawrence Russell and Bobby Russell; his sister, Mildred Jones; and his beloved niece, Jerri Wyatt.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Juanita Denise Russell, who stood faithfully by his side. His legacy continues through his children: Felicia Russell of Columbia, Tennessee; Sabrina (Vance) Martin of Columbia, Tennessee; Cameron Russell of Nashville, Tennessee; and Denxel “DJ” (Jameka) Russell of Christiana, Tennessee. His joy was multiplied in his grandchildren—Brittany Russell, Ashley Russell, D’Montre Wade Sr., D’Naijah Wade, Jadiyah Christmon, Samarah Christmon, Josiah Covington, and Zuri Rose Russell—and further extended through his great-grandchildren, Kaydence Wade, Legaci Turner, D’Montre Wade Jr., and Kovey Wade.
He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters, Mary Ann Lockett of Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee, and Vera (Frank) Costanza of Rio Vista, California; and by his brothers, Wayne Russell, Lem (Denise) Russell Jr., Gary Russell, and Lee Aundrel Russell, all of Columbia, Tennessee; Steven (Chasity) Russell of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; and Gregory (Michelle) Russell of Hampshire, Tennessee. His family circle further includes his sister-in-law, Georgett Smith; his bonus children, Aubrianna, William, and Kaiden Martin; his aunts, Pastor Frances Orr and Ruth Mayes; his uncle, Roy Dean Mayes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, church family, and friends who were blessed by his life.
Elder Frankie Dean Russell lived a life that honored God and uplifted others. He showed us that faith does not have to be loud to be strong, that service does not need applause to matter, and that love, when given freely, becomes a lasting legacy. His life was full, his work was meaningful, and his memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
Arrangements & Services of Honor
Lying in state was Friday, January 2, 2026 2:00PM – 3:00PM Family received friends between 4PM – 6PM at Roundtree Napier and Ogilvie Funeral Home, Columbia, TN 38401
Floral tributes may be delivered anytime after 12noon
Life Celebration Service was Saturday, January, 3, 2026 Family Visitation 11:AM – 12Noon Celebration of Life Service at First Baptist Church 117 East 8th Street, Columbia, TN 38401 https://www.roundtreenapierogilviefh.com
Interment Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, Columbia,TN 38401
For more obituaries visit https://maurycountysource.com/obituaries/
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