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”.
Uncle Soap, thank you for all the love and lessons you gave me to move on through life.You were my favorite and best uncle ever that took out the time to let me know you and you get to know me. We had a special bond that is forever. You took apart of me with you too. Is been 6 weeks and I'm still having a hard time excepting your death. The only thing that's keeping me going is knowing that you are not alone either. Everyone the Sun shines it will always remind me of you and my mother The blue candle is the the sky because there were no limits to the love you have. Rest In Peace Uncle Solo. Have is not over until I see you again, New Game and I'm not happy but I'll continue to play You and my mother left me no choice but to live because as long as I live all of my loved ones will continue to live too. Rest In Peace uncle Soap.
Uncle Soap, It's hard to except you're no longer hear with me. I'm really missing the phone calls of you expressing your concerns about the trials and tribulations of today's world on your shoulders and me telling you to stop getting yourself worked up because itt wasn't good for your health. How I wished you had listen to me and came to visit me for a while to see brighter days and enjoy us up hear. Note you're gone. Another Beautiful Soul and Heart God has called home . Shaking me head constantly still in disbelieve the game is over for us You earned your wings fly like an eagle you are still my Sunshine forever, you know, I always team you that I love you and would say you already know but that was not good enough I needed to hear you tell me too and you would our bond lives on forever. Rest In Peace😭😇☀️
"Don't try this at home...Babygirl. Let's ride" You was a warm spirited individual. You met no strangers and there was this special kind of love everyone had for you. You had friends you didn't know you had. There isn't too many more around like you Soap. Your smiling face, your phrases that you used, and most certainly your dance moves will be forever missed.😥 Sleep on Baby Boi. Take your rest. Your work here on earth is done. Go get your reward in heaven.💖 Ms Bobbie and Babygirl miss you.
You were excited to be around, You had a caring, friendly character and God Blessed you with the gift of help. I have so many good memories of you that I will forever cherish. You were so excited when I released my songs and you were my biggest fan, telling everybody that you met about my CD to buy. I love you so much much uncle soap. You left a legacy of kindness for all of us to display. I am thankful that I got a chance to see the Spirit of the Lord upon you when you were sitting in the den at my mother's house as we all sat around listening to my songs for hours. We all rejoice in the Lord as the CD was being played and the spirit of the Lord was presence. Glory Hallelujah. God called your name and you answered the call. Rest Well my uncle James Donald "Soap" Russell. You left a print on everyone's heart. "LIVE THE LIFE"!! Love your niece, Pastor Overseer Gloria Hudson
You were excited to be around, You had a caring, friendly character and God Blessed you with the gift of help. I have so many good memories of you that I will forever cherish. You were so excited when I released my songs and you were my biggest fan, telling everybody that you met about my CD to buy. I love you so much much uncle soap. You left a legacy of kindness for all of us to display. I am thankful that I got a chance to see the Spirit of the Lord upon you when you were sitting in the den at my mother's house as we all sat around listening to my songs for hours. We all rejoice in the Lord as the CD was being played and the spirit of the Lord was presence. Glory Hallelujah. God called your name and you answered the call. Rest Well my uncle James Donald "Soap" Russell. You left a print on everyone's heart. "LIVE THE LIFE"
Game over I can't answer any questions tell my mom I said hello your alway be my little hunkleberry
My beloved uncle, the centerpiece of our family. Rest In Peace (There it is) !!!!! Love Deborah
Soap, You are truly going to be missed,Your dance and your own personally phrases of words. I Thank God for placing you in our life ,but your memories will forever live on.Sending love and Prayers to the Russell Family.
A high spirited individual that always presented a welcoming attitude and kind words. We all will miss his sunshine personality that always brought Joy and laughter from our hearts.
You will truly be missed by many.RIP"SOAP"
A beautiful soul has transitioned. He was always willing to help me and always told others, "Back up! I got this." God spoke, he obeyed and we have memories. Thank you, Soap for accepting me as one of your friends.
Sending My Condolences to My Dear Classmate Deloris (Cho) Russell Fisks.and The Russell Family.
Deepest sympathy and prayers for the Family 🙏🏽
Growing up you always told us to make all A's. When you whistle we all know Uncle Soap was around.You had your own style and language. You where truly the life of the party and I know your up in heaven dancing away. Until we meet again Love Mercedes
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.