Franklin – Russell Lee Powell, Sr., 86, went home to be with the Lord January 27, 2019.  He was the son of the late Mattie Gayle and Willie J. Powell.  Russell was predeceased by a son Alan Powell; six sisters Ivey Truitt, Edna Powell, Bessie Mae Powell, Julia Pope, Lucille Bangley and Mary Powell; and three brothers James, Alex and John T.  He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years Emily W. Powell; three children Wanda P. Bennett (Kelly), Russ Powell, Jr., and Wendy P. Mitchell (Mike); five grandchildren Christopher L. Bennett (Carrie), K. Daniel Bennett (Missy), Rebecca A. Martin (Clay), Joshua D. Mitchell, and Sarah L. Mitchell; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Russell owned and operated the Franklin Dental Lab for over 35 years.  He was a gardener, hunter, and sportsman.  He was an avid sports fan of the Franklin Broncos, Virginia Cavaliers and Baltimore Orioles.  One of his greatest joys was being a part of the Gideons International.  Russell was a member of Franklin Congregational Christian Church where he served in many positions; but he greatly enjoyed teaching the Men's Bible Class.  He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War and was a member of American Legion, Post 73.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 1, 2019 at 11 AM in Franklin Congregational Christian Church with the Rev. James H. Hyatt officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service in the church Fellowship Hall.  Visitation will be 5 to 7 PM Thursday in the Wright Funeral Home.  The family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care.  Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International Southampton County Camp, P. O. Box 55, Franklin, VA 23851 or The Franklin Congregational Christian Church, 412 N. High Street, Franklin, VA 23851.   www.wrightfuneralhome.org