Gregory Allen “DeDe” Russell, 71 of Metropolis, passed away peacefully at 2:50 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Metropolis Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Greg was born March 28, 1953 in Paducah to Stanley and Helen (Crews) Russell. He married Denise Annette Jones on December 7, 1992.
Greg recently retired due to failing health issues. He was a licensed funeral director for 50 years. He was employed by Aikins-Farmer Funeral as a funeral director and embalmer for many years. He was recently employed by Lindsey Funeral Home in Paducah before retiring. He enjoyed meeting with the families he served and taking care of their loved ones. He was a preceptor and mentor to many fellow funeral directors and embalmers that he helped train and give guidance while they were serving their internship and apprenticeship at the funeral home.
Greg was a member of the Waldo Baptist Church in Massac County. He was a member of the Egyptian Funeral Directors Association for many years. He was also a member of the Massac County Ducks Unlimited and always enjoyed supporting thier fall banquet each year. Greg was an avid sportsman, that enjoyed fishing and hunting. Greg was also a licensed pilot when he was younger and had a passion for flying.
Survivors include his wife Denise Russell, three children, Heidi (Todd) Carder, Holly (Kelly) Turner and John Wayne Cooper; five grandchildren, MacKenzie (Jay) Wilton, Dalton Carder, Landon Turner, Lane Turner and Lakyn Turner; two great-grandchildren, Emersyn and Luke Wilton; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Kathy Russell; three nieces, Kathy Herring, Angela Herring and Jennifer (Brandon) Heine; one great-nephew, Evan Heine.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Charles ”Buddy” Herring.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Waldo Baptist Church with Br. Jack Russell and Br. Justin Wolfe officiating. Interment will follow Metropolis Memorial Gardens in Metropolis.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the Waldo Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church.
Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements.