Franklin – Joseph Wesley "Joe" Russell, 78, passed away December 6, 2025 in McGuire VA Medical Center.  Born in Suffolk, he was a son of the late Stanley Horton Russell and Ophelia Belle Parker Hill.  He was also predeceased by a daughter, Tammy Jo Russell Steinert, and two brothers, Stanley Parker Russell and George Ray Russell.

Joe was a graduate of Gates County High School and served in the US Army Force.  He was a retired Lab Technician for the Particle Board Plant at Union Camp Corporation.

Left to cherish his memory is his companion of 35 years, Carol Putnam, and two grandchildren, Jonathan Steinert and Jessica Austin.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 2 to 4PM Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Wright Funeral Home.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org