FRANKLIN — Russell Lee Powell Sr., 86, went home to be with the Lord on Jan. 27, 2019.

He was a son of the late Mattie Gayle and Willie J. Powell. Russell was also predeceased by a son, Alan Powell; six sisters, Ivey Truitt, Edna Powell, Bessie Mae Powell, Julia Pope, Lucille Bangley and Mary Powell; and three brothers James, Alex and John T.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Emily W. Powell; three children, Wanda P. Bennett (Kelly,) Russ Powell Jr. and Wendy P. Mitchell (Mike;) five grandchildren, Christopher L. Bennett (Carrie,) K. Daniel Bennett (Missy,) Rebecca A. Martin (Clay,) Joshua D. Mitchell and Sarah L. Mitchell; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Russell owned and operated the Franklin Dental Lab for over 35 years.

He was a gardener, hunter and sportsman. He was an avid sports fan of the Franklin Broncos, Virginia Cavaliers and Baltimore Orioles.

One of his greatest joys was being a part of the Gideons International.

Russell was a member of Franklin Congregational Christian Church where he served in many positions, and he greatly enjoyed teaching the Men’s Bible Class.

He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, and was a member of American Legion, Post 73.

The memorial service will be on Friday, Feb. 1, at 11 a.m., in Franklin Congregational Christian Church with the Rev. James H. Hyatt officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Wright Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care.

Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International Southampton County Camp, P.O. Box 55, Franklin, VA 23851, or The Franklin Congregational Christian Church, 412 N. High St., Franklin, VA 23851.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.