Reverend George Francis Russell, age 81, of Flatridge, VA went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born February 22, 1936 to the late Herbert Arthur and Ella Sue Brewer Russell.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and member of his local VFW. He was called to the ministry in 1975 and was the long time pastor of Troutdale Baptist Church before moving to his current home church, Pine Branch Baptist, where he served as pastor for the past several years. He was a talented baseball player and had fond memories of his playing days. He also enjoyed farming and the outdoors, crossword puzzles, reading, and especially spending an afternoon by the creek fishing. He was quick to laugh and joke and had an endless sense of humor. He was a well-loved and respected man who ministered to and comforted countless people. He truly lived his life in service for the Lord and would share his love of God with everyone he met. He was a loving husband and father for which we can never be grateful enough to have had.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Bobby Eugene, and brother, Ronald Russell. He is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 58 years, Peggy Lou (Privett); sons, Ricky Lee and Randy George Russell both of Flatridge, VA; daughters, Elizabeth Sue Prater and husband Terry and Sharon Kay Russell, both of Knoxville, TN; sister, Betty L. Blasch and husband Bob of Virginia Beach, VA; brother, Roger Russell and wife Tess of Waldorf, MD; sister-in-law, Iris Russell of Flatridge, VA; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 4 step-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and other special relatives.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home with pastors Mike Porter and Roger Boyer officiating. There will be a private viewing for immediate family prior to the public memorial service with receiving of friends from 1:00p-2:00p. Burial will follow in Burton's Chapel Community Cemetery with military rites being conducted by Grayson VFW Post 7726. Serving as pall bearers are Joe Hash, Michael Cornett, James Russell, Greg Russell, Greg DeBord, Andrew DeBord with honorary pall bearer, Donald Russell, Barney Cox and Dan Cole . The family is appreciative of the excellent and thoughtful care given to George by Sally Lefler of Smyth Regional Home Care and Wanda Wiles of Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Pine Branch Baptist Church in care of Geneva Walters PO Box 306 Independence, Virginia 24348.