James Earl Russell, age 73 of Maryville, passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Blount Memorial Hospital. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Niles Ferry Baptist Church and a 32nd Degree Mason. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hobart L. and Ola Graham Russell; brothers, Hobart, Rufus and Ralph Russell.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Mary Edna Beaver Russell of Maryville; sons, James Russell, Jr. and wife Overia of Tellico Plains, David Russell and wife Diane of Knoxville, Mike Russell and wife Donna of Maryville; daughter, Shirley Whitehead and husband Brian of Greenback; grandchildren, Preston, Samantha, Sarah, Zach, Landon, Dylan, Kayla, and Amanda; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Otis and Jodi Beaver of Maryville, Billy and Anne Beaver of Greenback; brother-in-law, J. D. Beaver of Bunker Hill, IL; sisters-in-law, Ruth Russell of Richmond, VA, Olga Russell of Trenton, NJ; several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will meet at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Pine Grove Cemetery, Greenback, for a graveside service with Rev. Ben Stiles and Rev. R. M. Everett officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday at Niles Ferry Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niles Ferry Baptist Church, 6895 Hwy. 411 South, Greenback, TN 37742.

McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home 982-6812

www.mccammonammonsclick.com