James R. Russell

James Robert (Tot) Russell, 98, went to be with the Lord April 3, 2013. He was born on October 5, 1914 in Juliette, Georgia to Mary Ann Barron and Thomas Jefferson Russell. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII at Warner Robins Air Force Base, earning decorations as an aircraft engine mechanic. Russell was employed by Dunlap Chevrolet Co. in Macon in 1936. He worked his way from mechanic to service manager and eventually sales until his retirement in 1986, for a total of 50 years. In 1960, he received the award for Best Service Manager for the Atlanta zone, which included 176 dealers in three states.

He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He was married for 74 years to the former Ellie Ruth Dozier, who preceded him in death, April 2011. He was a charter member of the Exchange Club West. He professed Christ in 1947 at the Mikado Baptist Church and was baptized by Rev. E.C. Sheehan. Russell was a faithful member of Mabel White Baptist Church for 43 years, and was ordained as a deacon in 1984. He was a member of Pine Forest Baptist Church for 10 years, and a member of the Hudson Tabor Sunday School class.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ann and Thomas Jefferson Russell, his wife Ruth, daughter Mary Ellen Russell, one brother, and four sisters. Survivors include his daughter Jo Ann Russell Pethel, son-in-law Stan Pethel; beloved granddaughter, Mary Ellen Pethel, and two wonderful grandsons Robert Russell Pethel (Syra), and Joseph Charles Pethel (Cherish); and three great-grandchildren, William Joseph Pethel, Jack Robert Pethel, Eva Ellie Pethel, and Levi August Pethel (due in April), and 17 nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 6, 2013, 2:00 pm at Pine Forest Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia with a visitation preceding at 1:00 pm until service time at the church. Memorials may be made to Pine Forest Baptist Church, 1848 Tucker Road, Macon, GA. Reverend Norm Yukers and Reverend Joe McDaniel will be officiating. Burial will be in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of arrangments.