A celebration of life for Mr. James Donald “Soap” Russell of Talladega, 66,will be 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at Terry's Mortuary Chapel. Interment will be in Westview Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. on Friday, June 25, 2021, at the funeral home.

On Wednesday, March 16, 1955, on the west side of Talladega, Alabama in an area known as “Hell’s Hill”, James Donald Russell was born to the late Dock Russell, Sr. and Annie Wheeler Underwood Russell.

At an early age, James received the gift of the Holy Ghost and was Baptist in the name of Jesus. He fellowshipped with Refuge Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Talladega under the pastorate of Bishop Milton H. Hill.

As a youth, James was educated in Talladega City Schools. He attended elementary school at Westside and graduated from Talladega High School. After high School, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. James was employed with several companies in warehouses and in utilities for fifteen years. After moving back to his hometown, he worked for Tyson Foods, Inc. and Georgia Pacific before his health declined.

James loved to have fun and stayed on “ready”. Everyone who met James understood that he believed in living his best life and he lived it to the fullest. There was no real fun without “Soap” as he was known by family and friends. A legend on the west side of Talladega, Soap was known for his famous quotes such as “small world”, “this is not what this is about” and his most commonly used “game over!” He was the life of every place his feet went. He will truly be missed by many.

He leaves to cherish his memories: three brothers, Dock (Catherine) Russell, Jr., Walter (Mary) Russell and David L. Russell; six sisters, Annie Storey, Dorothy Whitsett, Deloise (Eddie) Fikes, Linda Faye (Larry) Brantley, Joyce Babbs and Adrienne Underwood; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.

Mr. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Dock and Annie Russell, Sr.; four, Paulette Russell, Peggy A. Hairston, Bettye Sue Jennings and Carolyn Brown. James will always be remembered as a fun and loveable person. He has helped so many people while here on Earth. Rest on “Dog”.