Ryan Russell

Cullowhee, NC – Donnie Ryan Russell, 25, went to be with the Lord, unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, July 11, 2006. Ryan was born in Henderson County and was a graduate of the Dallas County High School in Dallas County, Alabama. He was a member of the Blessed Hope Bible Fellow-ship in Fairview and an employee of McNeeley Store Rental. Ryan had a caring heart and a great sense of humor and is survived by his children, Ashleigh Bass, Dakota Lee Russell and Mary Grace Russell of the home; his spouse, Allison; his mother, Wanda Nesbitt White, and her husband Steve, of Candler; his father, James Richard Russell, and his wife Cindy, of Opelika, Alabama; his maternal grandparents, David and Faye Nesbitt of Fairview; his paternal grandparents, Leon and Jeanette Russell of Plantersville, Alabama and his brother, James Leon Russell of Wallingford, Conn. Also surviving are numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal great grandfather, Chester Earwood. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian conducted by Pastors Robbie and Brian Sipes. Interment will follow in Emmas Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Scott Hooper, Chris Cole, John Kosmeh, Chris Waters, Robbie Treadway, Nicky Nesbitt and Brad Cartee. Ryan’s family will receive friends from 7 until 9:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home on Long Shoals Road and at other times will be at the home of Steve and Wanda White, 18 Albert Drive, Candler. Memorials may be made to the family, for the children‘s educational fund.