Michael Joe Russell

Of Bandmill, Arkansas

Michael Joe Russell, son of the late Herbert Neal Russell and Doris Dell Miller Russell, was born March 29, 1958 in Malvern, Arkansas. He departed this life April 27, 2020 in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 62 years and 28 days. Mike was a 1976 graduate of Melbourne High School. Mike served with Melbourne Fire Department from 1976 to 2003, as a fireman and as chief. At the time of his death, he was employed by Air Ready in Melbourne. Mike was united in marriage to Jeannie Everett February 14, 1980 and together they raised one son. Mike spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, provider and friend. Mike was of the Baptist faith and a member of Melbourne First Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years: Jeannie Russell of Bandmill; one son and daughter-in-law: Joe and Reannon Russell of Melbourne; one brother: Jerry Russell and wife Denice of Melbourne; six brothers and sisters-in-law: Willetta Everett of Oxford, Gay and Jr. Majors of Bandmill, Joann Gillihan of Jonesboro, Barbara and Gary Thornley of Bandmill; ten nieces and nephews: Randy Everett (Loyanna), Glendon Everett (P.J.), Leah Foster, Stacy Light (Jon), Jason Majors (Holly), Greg Thornley, Melissa Cross (Doyle), Kelly Ross (Jon) of Jonesboro, Jeremy Russell (April), Jody Russell (Kelly); three aunts: Marie Long of Idaho, Joyce Russell of Haskell, Arkansas and Wilda Russell of Dolph; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and many good friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents: J.C. and Winnie Westmoreland Miller; paternal grandparents: Herbert Joe Russell and Maxine Guthrie Russell; two uncles: Johnny Russell and Robert Russell; one aunt: Jeri Talbert and one brother-in-law: Glen Everett.

Graveside funeral service will be Thursday, April 30 at 1:00 p.m. at Melbourne Cemetery with Mike Haney and Glen Green officiating.

Pallbearers: Kim Yancey, Bob Sheffield, Glen Lancaster, David Honey, Donald Gillihan, Len Branscum.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jerry Russell, George Gillihan, Chris Mosley, Dillon Thornley, Doyle Cross.