1933-2026
Charles “Chuck” William Russell, age 92, passed away March 3, 2026 at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge. Chuck, also known as “Buck” by his family and friends was born September 29, 1933, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He grew up on a farm near Carmi, IL before moving away to attend college and join the United States Marine Corps. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Loma (Bald) Russell, his parents Darlene (Gaunt) and Herman Russell, and his sisters Patricia Luetkehans and Carol Raines. Chuck is survived by his four children, Lydia Russell (Dave) Stansbury, Tami Russell, Patti Russell and Michael (Paige) Russell; his seven grandchildren, Taryn (Tyler) Jacobs, Ryan Stansbury, Katie Bentley, Wolfe Russell, Afton Russell, Teagan Russell and Quinlan Russell, and his great- grandson Benton Jacobs and Benton’s soon-to-be baby sister. Also surviving are his sisters Sandy Bremser and Karen (Fred) Mountcastle who reside in Arizona, and his brother Matt “Butch” Russell who resides in Arkansas, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog “Chewie”. Chuck attended the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque before joining the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Japan and Korea as a veteran of the Korean War. Upon his return, he worked in insurance and sales until he moved to Los Angeles where he met and married Loma Bald. Chuck and his family also lived in Chicago, Il and Pittsburg, PA. Chuck moved his family back to Carmi to help his father establish Russells’ Orchards where they grew peaches, apples and strawberries. He was active in the community, including First Presbyterian Church and choir, Kiwanis Club, League of Arts, Little League Baseball, the Illinois State Horticultural Society and officiated baseball, volleyball, and basketball. From there he moved to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, working as a property manager. For the past decade he lived in Oak Ridge TN, near many of his children and grandchildren. He loved painting, reading, history, gardening, writing, and visiting the library. Shortly before his death he worked with his sister Karen on a book of his writings and poems, which will be published soon. A memorial service is planned later in the year with details pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Friends of Oak Ridge Animal Shelter or the Oak Ridge Public Library both of which were important to Chuck.