Russell Louis Hartsell, born on April 26, 1984, in Knoxville, TN to Russell E. and Teresa Hartsell, passed away on April 11, 2024. He attended Powell High School, where he excelled on the varsity basketball team and graduated in 2002. Russell found his niche as a delivery driver at Broadacres Dairy.
Known for his warm heart and radiant smile, Russell never met a stranger. His kindness was infectious, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. At the tender age of 9, he embraced his faith, becoming an active member of New Beginnings Christian Community Fellowship, where he dutifully served on the media ministry.
Russell's departure leaves a void in the lives of many who cherished him dearly. He was preceded in death by his Great Grandmothers, Callie S. Johnson and Estelle Jones; Great Grandfathers, George Johnson and William Jones; Grandfathers, Ernest Hartsell and Ernest Blake; and Grandmother, Stella Hartsell.
He is survived by his loving parents, Russell and Teresa Hartsell, his devoted sister Karyssa M. Hartsell, cherished niece Sanaa Imani, and baby nephew Shiloh Ahmad. Also mourning his loss are his Grandmother Mary J. Ellis, along with a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins other relatives and friends.
Russell's legacy of kindness and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
The celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Freedom Fellowship Christian Church, 4027 Papermill Dr. where Pastor Derek Wakefield is Pastor and Rev. Dr. Valentino J. McNeal is officiating Receiving friends and family will be from 5:00-6:00pm. The service will start promptly at 6:00pm.
The family and close friends or ask to meet at the Unity Mortuary on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. to process to the church.
Unity Mortuary is honored to serve this family. www.unitymortuary1979.com.
Paul Hassell sent Rays of Light Spray for Russell Louis Hartsell - April 17, 2024
Your CLC (Christ Led Communities) brothers will see you again soon! You became a true disciple of Jesus, and you let His light shine, EVERYWHERE!
Barbara Wrushen sent The Peace Lily for Russell Louis Hartsell - April 16, 2024
Russell's smile, hugs, and kindness will be forever engraved on our hearts. Our deepest, heartfelt condolences are extended to his entire family. Hubert and. Barbara Wrushen
Maggie D Holbert sent Amazing Arboricola for Russell Louis Hartsell - April 16, 2024
With love and fond memories. Maggie Holbert and Family
Juanita goode sent Ocean Devotion for Russell Louis Hartsell - April 16, 2024
Words can't even begin to express our sorrow. Sending our love juanita (neat), Clinton, Rashaad, Lynette, Toni, and malik.
Matthew Boyd sent Lily and Rose Tribute Spray for Russell Louis Hartsell - April 15, 2024
Rest easy in heaven buddy.
Matt Boyd
Matthew Boyd sent Lily and Rose Tribute Spray for Russell Louis Hartsell - April 15, 2024
Rest easy in heaven buddy.
Matt Boyd
Teresa and family, I just found out about your son. I am so sorry to hear about this. You are a wonderful, strong faithful person and I am sure you are saddened. May God hold you and your family close and please know I am praying for you. Your friend, Wilma Stowers
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family, he's truly missed n loved.
Sincerely Chris and Teira Johnson
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Ricky and Cora Woods
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
My condolence Russell was a good person and will be truly missed I'll never forget you my friend. Lexi
Sorry for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. James Bowerman
Rusty and Family, I am praying for your family. I am so saddened for your loss. Tonya McDuffie
I'm so sorry for your loss. We will miss Russell. He will always be in prayer. Almighty God had took His child home.we all will be together one day where we will forever live with our Heavenly Father.Kenya, Dorian, Faith, the parker family and Sandra, our hearts go out to the family with love and support.May Almighty God be with you all.
Russell studied the Word of God, he truly prayed, he learned to war against the enemy, unto freedom for himself and for others. He boldly shared Jesus with others, at Weigels, on the streets, at restaurants, EVERYWHERE. He was so grateful to be growing as a soldier for Jesus, and as a true son of the Father. It feels too soon, and there are many brothers among the CLC discipleship movement in Knoxville who will grieve our loss for some time. Knowing, however, that Russell is thrilled to be worshipping Jesus 24/7, as he had longed for.
I asked him on Thursday, April 4th, while at Honeybee coffee shop, "Russell, why are you a Christian?" He didn't miss a beat and replied, "Because He saved me."
1 John 4:19 Galations 2:20
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. J.R. Sudderth.
Our expressions of condolences are forwarded to Rusty's loves ones. Evergene Glasper, Loretta Burrell, Audrey West, Janice Smith (Dgtrs of Elk) and Parricia Swaggerty
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Don Yarber.
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Angela Bailey
I am so sorry for your loss,my two granddaughters Ashley and Allison Maxwell,went to school with Russell and he was in our home lots of times,I loved him like a grandson,he was always so sweet and polite to me,rest in peace in heaven and keep everyone laughing
We are very sadden to learn of Russell's passing. He was friends with our elder son and on every occasion when our paths crossed, Russell was always sweet and respectful! May God give you as his parents sibling & family much comforter with peace and lots of love as the days go by..hold on to those sweet memories! 🙏🏽💙 Terence and Sequendalyn McClunie .
Family, sending Love and Prayers your way. Always know that Russell is gone home to be with the Most High. He's resting in eternal peace with our parents, grandparents and ancestors. Carry the love he had for you and all the memories of him in your hearts.
The Father gives strength to His people; the Father blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11
Georgette Hartsell
Praying for your family during this difficult time.
My condolences Russell was a very good person to work with he was an awesome person inside and out rest in peace my friend
I'm so sorry for your loss Russell was a really great guy to work with really good spirits all the time I know he is in heaven rest in peace brother
Russell you are already sorely missed. I really can't believe you're not a phone call away anymore. I'll never forget you. Laura Ashe
My sincere condolences to Russell, Teresa, and Karyssa in the passing of your beloved son Russell, Jr. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. God Bless and Love Denise Jones
To the Entire Hartsell Family, on behalf of the Rule High c/o 81 we are so saddened by the passing of your loved one. Teresa, we love you and we are here for you. May the Peace of God continue to be your compass and comfort you during this transition. You are always in our hearts. Please let us know if we can do anything to assist you and your family.
Russell was such a kind, fun-loving friend. He was always there when you needed him. All of my middle and high school memories are filled with Russell. When I think of Russ, I think of laughter. We laughed a lot! I pray the Lord gives you strength and comfort during this time and the days ahead. -Lindsay "Stokes" Stout
My Sincere Condolences to my family Rusty, Teresa, and Karyssa. May you all find Comfort in the Lord Our God 🙏🏾 during this time and always. Remember all the great memories and hold on to them. He will be missed dearly, but he is will always be in your heart and his presence can be felt. His is now your precious Angel watching guard over you all.I Love you all!
Bradley Hartsell
Cousin(s) it is with a heavy heart, sincere condolences and hope that the cherished moments you shared with your son will bring you some comfort. Keeping you all in our hearts and prayers ❤️ Theresa Hartsell-Hardy and Family, Atlanta
We love you my family. Russell may you watch over your family. May the Hartsell Family find Comfort in the Lord Our God. Rest in Paradise Cousin 🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾
My brother, my friend, I will thank you & keep your memory close all the days of my life. I will miss you more than words can speak.
Prayers for your family Teresa,Rusty;and Keryssa I Love Y'all FeliciaJohnson &Ej
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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