"Pickens" Pickens Russell

Rudder Funeral Home 256-437-2971 P. O. Box 525, 45015 Alabama Highway 277 Stevenson, AL 35772 www.rudderfuneralhomes.com Israel Pickens Russell III April 12, 1915 ~ April 28, 2011 Stevenson, Alabama Israel Pickens Russell III died Thursday, April 28, 2011 at his home. He is survived by his wife of very nearly 70 years, Ernestine Mann Russell and daughters Mary Lucile (Bob) Allphin of Marietta, GA and Emily (the late Johnnie) Campbell of Stevenson, two grandchildren, Merideth Allphin (David) Pehler and Mark Russell (Pam) Allphin, four great-grandchildren, all of Atlanta and numerous nieces, nephews, great-niece, great-nephews and great-great-nephews. He was 96 years old and had lived on the family farm and in his ancestral home (The Cedars) at Stevenson, AL his entire life. Mr. Russell was a farmer, a harness horse trainer and race driver and was especially active in his community. He was a member of Stevenson First United Methodist Church and was involved in every aspect of community service in Stevenson through church, schools, civic organizations and charities. After graduating from Stevenson High School Class of 1932, Pickens began his own farming operation on the farm where he was born. In addition to his farming operation of cattle, hogs, and row crops, he trained and raced Standardbred horses with his brother. He was respected on the national racing scene for his expertise at developing the young trotter or pacer. He retired from the horse racing industry in 1990. Pickens worked for the betterment of his community through business and community organizations. He was an original member of the Jackson County Hospital Board which was instrumental in building Jackson County (Highlands Medical Center) and North Jackson Hospitals. He was chairman of the Hospital Board when Jackson County Nursing Home was built. He was a founding member of the Stevenson Park Board, an early member of the Depot Museum Board and member of the Sequatchie Valley Boy Scout Council. He was named Man of the Year by the Stevenson Civic Club in 1970. He was a Director of First Southern National Bank for 44 years. As a lifelong member of the Stevenson First United Methodist Church, he served as Chairman of the Board, Chairman of Finance, and Chairman of Trustees. In his business of farming and training horses, "Pick" employed many young people in the Stevenson Community. Many a youngster seeking adventure and travel learned principles of work ethics, responsibility, and respect from him while grooming horses. During retirement "Pick" made beautiful furniture for famiy members, tended the grounds of his home and served as consultant on horse questions. He was into whatever was happening on the farm for any of his extended family, daughters, nephew, nieces, great-and great-great nephews, and always had many rich stories to tell. Into late life, he delighted in sitting on his porch enjoying the grounds of his home, The Cedars. Visitation will be Saturday, 6-8 PM CDT at Rudder Funeral Home in Stevenson, AL. The funeral service will be Sunday at 3 PM CDT at the First United Methodist Church in Stevenson. Donations may be made in memory of Mr. Pickens Russell to First United Methodist Church or Alacare Hospice. www.rudderfuneralhomes.com

"Pickens" Pickens Russell

April 12, 1915 - April 28, 2011