Rev. J.W. Russell, 98 of Chesapeake, VA, formerly of Walnut Ridge, AR. passed away
on August 20, 2019. He was born on Oct. 24, 1920 in Manila, Arkansas to John F. and
Nellie Bowman Russell.

He was a member of the United States Navy during WWII, serving aboard the USS Gasconade as a Higgins Boat driver, and was present in Tokyo Bay during the surrender. He served for many years as a bi-vocational minster pastoring Free Will Baptist churches in northeast Arkansas while working during the week as a heavy equipment operator running drag lines, operating farm equipment and other maintenance duties. He retired in 2007, as the Pastor of Poplar Valley FWB Church in Bono, AR.

J.W. had a heart of gold and was a dedicated servant of Christ. He was a loving husband, to Vela Rippee Russell for 71 years. He married many couples in Lawrence County and his garage on Gum St. was known as the place to go if you needed an odd part that couldn't be found in the local hardware store.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Norma Jean Russell, three brothers: Gene Russell, John "Junior" Russell, and J.F. "Billy" Russell; and four sisters: Christine Chriswell, Pat Cisco, Sue Russell, and Reba Hicks.

He is survived by his son, Rev. Larry J. Russell (Janis) of Chesapeake, VA, two grandchildren: Kimberly Russell Fender (Greg) and Jennifer Russell; and two great-grandchildren: Caleb Russell Fender and Chloe Noelle Fender all of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.