Jeffrey Allen Russell

Mr. Jeffrey Allen Russell, 66, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, following a long illness.

Jeff, as he was known to most, was born on April 22, 1960 at Chamberlain Memorial Hospital in Rockwood, Tennessee, to Ray and Johnnie Russell. From an early age, sports played a central role in his life, culminating in his role as a part of the 1976 Rockwood Tigers State Championship Team. He graduated from Rockwood High School in 1978.

In May of 1983 Jeff married his high-school sweetheart and love of his life, Brenda Lee Waldo. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work, sharing a passion for farming. For over 40 years, they raised Black Angus cattle and hay, a labor of love that reflected their deep connection to the land. Jeff was a certified Master Beef Producer through the University of Tennessee Agriculture Extension.

Jeff began working as a young teenager in the mid-1970s at Charles Lee Chevrolet & Oldsmobile in Rockwood, where he gained not only mechanical knowledge but valuable life lessons. In May of 1980, he began his lifelong career with the United States Postal Service in downtown Rockwood. Over the course of 40 years, he faithfully served as a letter carrier and clerk, served as union steward for the American Postal Workers Union, and later took on several supervisory special assignment roles in Wartburg and Powell, Tennessee. He retired in May 2020 due to declining health, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.

He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Atlanta Braves, and the Tennessee Volunteers, never missing an opportunity to cheer on his teams. Jeff also enjoyed fishing on Watts Bar Lake, spending time outdoors, and, most of all, being with his family and friends. He was of the Baptist faith and loved our Lord and Savior. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ray Russell, Sr., his uncles, W. Morgan, Fred, Clifford “Dude”, Bill, James, and Raymond Russell; his aunts, Cynthia Haun and Marie Henderson all of Rockwood.

Jeff is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Brenda Lee Russell, of Rockwood; his son Jeffrey Ray “J.R.” Russell, of Nashville; mother, Johnnie Russell, formerly of Rockwood; brother Ken Russell (Mary) of Blacksburg, VA; brother-in-law Billy Waldo (Lisa) of Rockwood; sister-in-law, Mary Waldo of Rockwood; nephew Morgan Russell (Madison) of Blacksburg, VA; nieces, Nicole West (Drew Cotts) of Powell; Elizabeth Russell of Roanoke, VA; and a host of extended family, friends, and members of the community.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, and the Local Care Clinic for their care and compassion

The family will receive friends Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. (E.D.T.) until 6:00 (E.D.T.) at the Evans Mortuary. Funeral services will follow on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (E.D.T.) from the Chapel of Evans Mortuary with Pastor David Treadway and Pastor Garvan Walls officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (E.D.T.) in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood, Tennessee. Evans Mortuary of Rockwood, Tennessee is honored to serve the family of Mr. Jeffrey Allen Russell.