Dr. Donald Reid Russell, 84, of Thaxton, passed away peacefully, Friday, May 26, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Donald Russell was born April 3, 1933 in Thaxton to Lillian Cole Russell and Edgar Clay Russell. He was delivered by Dr. Reid, which is the origin of the middle name of many family members.

He graduated as class president from Thaxton High School in 1951. He was in the U.S. Naval Reserve Cadet training until 1954 before continuing his education. Donald attended Holmes Jr. College and graduated from Delta State with a Bachelor of Science degree where he was on basketball scholarship. He received his Masters and Doctors degree in Science from The University of Mississippi where he taught Biology, Botany, and Anatomy and Physiology until retirement. Dr. Russell met Ann Burrell at Holmes Jr. College and they married September 15, 1954.

Although he taught at Ole Miss, his real love was raising cattle, horses and growing things. In fact, he grew and nurtured five children; Barry Reid (Regina), Johnny Clay (Marcia), James Timothy, Sheila Gail Morton (Mike), Rhonda Diane Robertson (Mike). His family was most important to him and he couldn’t wait to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They are as listed: Reid and Regina’s children: Leslie and Scott Hale, their children Ainsley and Noah, Cole and Kelli Russell and their daughter Anna Rose, Ben and Allison Russell and children Jackson and Grady, Austin and Emily Russell and daughter, Ivy Reid. Clay and Marcia’s children: Matt Russell, Evan and Tracy Russell, Will and Michelle Russell, Emily and Mark Vandiver with children, Lyla Kate and Linley; Gail and Mike’s children: Tristan Morton, Lydia and Jeremy Lytal; children, Greyson and Max. Russell and Katrina Morton and children, Cole and Jack; Rhonda and Mike’s children: Stuart Robertson, Bethany and John Hoggard, Madison and Jeremy Abbott and their children Ethan, Sadie, and Emma.

He is also survived by his brother Bobby Clay Russell. Sister and brother-in-laws: Carolyn and George (Book) Thomas, Sue and Jeff Jeter and sister-in-law, Rita Russell.

Donald also enjoyed his nieces and nephews and held them in high regard.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Gwen Russell, and parents, Lillian and Edgar Russell; sister: Latona Jane Russell, brother, Johnny Cole Russell, sister, Genie Falkner and brother-in-law, Don (Sparky) Falkner.

A celebration of life was held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29, 2017, at Bellevue Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Bellevue Cemetery. Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc was assisting the family with the arrangements.

Condolences may be offered at www.browningpontotoc.com