Rev. Billy Ray Russell

Rev. Billy Ray Russell, 75, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his daughter’s home in Whitesburg, surrounded by family. He was saved at the age of 12 at Morrisett’s Chapel in Hawkins County and was a longtime faithful member of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church. He was a dedicated pastor who served at Livesay’s Chapel Missionary Baptist, Rankin Missionary Baptist, Parkway Missionary Baptist, First Corinthians Missionary Baptist, and Lee Valley Missionary Baptist Church. He retired from TRW in 2006 after 31 years of service. Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be dearly missed. 

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Irene Russell and brother, Sherwood Russell.

Billy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Blanche Jarnigan Russell; daughter, Vickie (Barry) Warren; beloved grandchildren, Michael (Megan) Warren, Jacob (Anna) Warren, Olivia (Brandon) Smiley, and Elijah (Erin) Warren; cherished great grandchildren, Ivy and Ellie Warren, Avery and Baylor Smiley, and Emmitt Warren; sister, Janice (David) Harrell; brothers, Sam (Donna) Russell and Rex (Rhonda) Russell; sister-in-law, Judy Russell; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family members, and dear friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice.

The family will receive friends from 4 – 7 PM, Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church in Morristown. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 7 PM, with Rev. Barry Warren and Rev. Bob Davis officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, November 3, 2025, in Hamblen Memory Gardens.

Allen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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