Ronald Russell Obituary

Ronald "Ron" J. Russell

February 10, 2026

CHURCH HILL - Ronald "Ron" J. Russell, 88, of Church Hill, TN entered his eternal rest on February 10, 2026, held in the love of his family and in the everlasting care of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Born on July 5th, in Hawkins Co., TN, Ron lived a life marked by faith, integrity, and devotion, both to God and to those he loved. He believed wholeheartedly in the power of prayer, the importance of service to Country, and the promises of Scripture, which guided him throughout his earthly journey.

Ron proudly served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of E-5. His military journey began at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he completed basic training in 1956. He went on to serve at Fort McClellan, Alabama; Fort Eustis, Virginia; and Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. When our nation faced the 1961 Berlin Crisis, Ron was called back to active duty with the 639th Transportation unit, an honor he accepted with the same humble strength and steadfast commitment that defined his character. He continued to serve faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1962.

Ron graduated from Church Hill High School in 1956. Following his military service, he continued his education through the GI bill, attending Steed Business College, where he built upon the skills that began his professional journey in 1963 at Kingsport Press. Through decades of company transitions, including multiple acquisitions and mergers, Ron remained loyal, steadfast, and committed to his work. He continued to serve faithfully through every change, ultimately retiring as Distribution Supervisor in 2002 under Quebecor Printing. His work ethic, reliability, and dedication earned him the respect of colleagues and leadership alike.

Ron's faith was central to who he was. He lived out the words of II Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." His gentle spirit, steady presence, and willingness to help others reflected his deep trust in the Lord.

Ron is survived by one son, Greg Russell and wife, Amy of Kingsport, TN; one daughter, Cindy Wilson of Kingsport, TN; the mother of his children, Carolyn Hammonds Wagner of Gray, TN, three grandchildren, Hailey Thomas (Brody), Church Hill TN, Emily Harper (Aaron) of Kingsport, TN and Ryan Russell (Anna) of Kennesaw, GA; seven great grandchildren; sister, Brenda Lord of Stephens City, VA; and multiple nieces and nephews who all rejoice in knowing he is now at peace in the arms of Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy E. and Eva L. Russell; two sisters, Rachel Dingus (Darius) and Shirley Skeen (Glen), who now welcome him into eternal glory.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in the chapel of Oak Hill Funeral Home.

A celebration of Ron's life will be held at 12:00 pm at Oak Hill Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Fred Tankersley.

A Graveside Service will be conducted at Mountain Home National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to any veterans' organization of choice or the Northeast TN Veteran Group NETVETSGROUP.ORG.

To share memories and condolences with the family, please visit www.oakhillfh.com.

The care of Ronald "Ron" J. Russell and his family have been entrusted to the staff of Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.