The Rev. Dr. Robert Lee Russell of the Whitetop Community passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Ballad Health Hospice Home in Bristol, TN. Dr. Russell was born on December 29, 1949, in Flint, Michigan to Clyde G. and Billie Lee Webb Russell. Following his graduation from of Caledonia High School in Michigan, he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps where he served until 1971 and remained active with the reserve until 1973. On March 20, 1971, he was married to the love of his life, Carla Rae Koval who preceded him in death. Following his honorable military service, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he graduated and immediately began post graduate studies at Brown Theological Seminary where he earned his PhD in Theology. He went on to serve two churches in Stafford County Virginia and served four churches in Mecklenburg County, VA.
Following his retirement in 1991, he and Carla moved to Whitetop, Virginia in 2015, and bought the house of their dreams. Dr. Russell never met a stranger. He was always searching for somebody in need. The doors to his home were always open to anybody. He always had a heart for service and will be remembered for his dedicated service to the sick and shut in. He was a founding member of SERVE, a non-profit organization that aids families in the Stafford County and surrounding areas of Virginia. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Karen, Sharon, and Gloria; and one brother, Cricket.
He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda and Tommy Richardson of Whitetop, VA; one son, Robert “Robbie” and Kermora Russell of Stafford, VA; one brother, Roger and Penny Bailey of Michigan; five grandchildren, Carlyn and Brandon, Caitlyn and Casey, Cristalyn and Carl, Alexis, and Robert: four great-grandchildren, Percephonie, Athena, Orion, and Kinsleigh; several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the New Beginnings Church in Whitetop with Rev. Chris Goodman and Rev. Jimmy Williams officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 prior to the funeral at the church. Burial will follow in the Miller’s Whitetop Community Cemetery with Military Honors performed by the United States Marines and the Grayson County VFW Post #7726.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Mt. Roger’s Fire and Rescue, Green Cove Rescue Squad, Damascus Rescue Squad, and the staff of the Bristol Hospice House.
(Source: https://www.reinssturdivantfuneralhome.net/obituary/robert-russell)