Russell Edward Acuff

Russell Edward Acuff, age 49, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Monday, August 9, 2021. Russell was born April 3, 1972 and was known as Rusty Acuff in his younger years in the Powell community. He graduated from Powell High School in 1990. Russell accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He served as a Firefighter/EMT with the Knoxville Fire Department and later with Rural Metro. Russell was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army National Guard as a Ranger Scout during the Iraq Campaign. Past employment had been at Legend Fitness in Knoxville and currently at Arsenal Strength, LLC., Lenoir City. We echo the kind words written by his fiancé, Misty Jenkins, "We lost this amazing man way too soon. He had so much life to live, was so kind, and had the best heart. He never met a stranger and his kindness to the world was unmeasurable. A son, a father, a best friend, a soldier, and a superhero."

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Elmer and Lois Loveday; grandmother, Daisy Acuff; aunt, Shirley Acuff. Russell is survived by parents, Eddie and Carolyn Acuff; daughter, Taylor Acuff; son, Gavin Acuff; fiancé, Misty Jenkins; Misty's daughter, Raylee Jenkins; Misty's son, Slate Jenkins; Misty's granddaughter, Layla Jenkins. Being the first grandchild, Russ has always been special to his grandfather, James Acuff. Also, his "Aunt Dana" Robertson; uncles, Ronnie and Mike (Debbie) Acuff, and Steve (Delsie) Loveday; mother of Russ's children, Chrissi Acuff; special friends, Bob and Lee Foster of Rogersville, whom Russ always claimed as his godparents; sisters by love, Cheryl Bierne of SC and Cindy White of WV; many more friends and family.

Family will receive friends Monday, August 16th from 5-7pm at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Merchant Dr., Knoxville, TN 37912 with a Celebration of Life following at 7pm. Rev. Kent Williams officiating. Burial will take place Tuesday, August 17th, meeting at Berry Lynnhurst Chapel at 10:30am for a procession led by the Patriot Guard Riders to Lynnhurst Cemetery for the committal service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the GoFundMe account created in Taylor Acuff's name.