He was an Army Vietnam veteran, where he was awarded the Purple Heart.
He was happiest when spending time with his grandchildren, camping, going to the beach, feeding birds and squirrels, and mowing his lawn. He was active in his church (South Knoxville Church of God).
He was happiest when spending time with his grandchildren, camping, going to the beach, feeding birds and squirrels, and mowing his lawn. He could almost always be found at Waffle House, Shoney’s, or Wal-Mart. He was the best husband, father, and Poppa that anyone could have ever asked for.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jeanne (Dailey) Russell; son Jamie (Laura) Russell; daughters Kendra (Don) Claiborne and Rebecca (Kelby) Pendleton; granddaughters Kaitlyn, Cheyenne, Lily, Priseis, Jade, and Skyler; grandsons Casey and Austin; sister Mary Hurst; sisters-in-law Cathy (Jack) Bishop, Sandra Mendenhall, Lisa Mathai; nieces Kimberlee (Randy) Glenn, Stephanie (William) Lamp, Tammy (Paul) Russell, Michelle (Terry) Crawford, and Melissa (Brian) Naill; nephew Greg (Nikki) Henry; great nieces Carlie Baker, Leah Gray, and Maya Mathai; great-nephews Chris Hurst, Logan O’Daly, Cody Russell, and Evin Mathai; numerous cousins and extended family, including honorary mother Kitty McCammon. Preceded in death by father Howard Russell, mother Aileen Gillespie, and sister Edna Fowler.
A funeral service for Wayne will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 7:00 PM at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. A visitation will occur Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the funeral home, prior to funeral services. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Gov. John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Russell family.
