Rev. David L. Russell

“His Legacy”

On January 14, 2019 the Angel of God whispered: 

Rev. David Lee Russell

You fought a good fight. You have kept the faith.

The battle is fought, and the victory is won;

Come now and take your rest.”

 David Lee Russell was born July 2, 1943 in Lower Peachtree, Alabama to the late Roosevelt & Allean Russell. He was the ninth oldest of twelve children.

 David accepted Christ at an early age at Lanes Chapel C.M.E. Church and has continued to be a faithful Man of God all throughout his life. 

 David graduated from high school May 25, 1962 from Community Center High School in Lower Peach Tree, AL and continued his education at White’s Barber College in Mobile, Alabama. He moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1964 where he married the love of his life Sophia Washington on June 12, 1965, and they later settled in La Puente, California. With that union three beautiful daughters were born. 

 In 1969, after fellow shipping with several churches, he united with St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church in La Puente, CA.  Under the leadership of Pastor E. W. McCall, David served as a loyal deacon and later answered the call to become an ordained minister and served as an Associate Pastor for over twenty years. In 1991 he became the Senior Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Baldwin Park, faithfully serving the congregation for fifteen years. In addition to full time ministry, David worked as a warehouse foreman for forty years, until he retired and later moved to Alexander City, Alabama. 

David united with Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church after moving to Alexander City where he faithfully served as a Missionary for 10 years. He later became Moderator of The Early Rose District; overseeing over twenty local churches. During this time, his work ethic, dedication and his Love of God inspired and touched many. He had such a committed desire to do whatever was needed to make the Early Rose District Center all that it could be, while giving God all the praise and Glory. All of his tireless work and dedication are evident, reflecting his labor of love and commitment to God until he went to be with the Lord.

 David is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Sophia Russell, three daughters; Jacquelyn (Darryl) Wood - Russell of Lawrenceville, GA, Dena (Benson) Ekelem of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Tiffany Russell of Alexander City, AL. Six grandchildren; Christiana “Chrissy” Ekelem, Asia Ore, Daniel Ekelem, David Ekelem, Hannah Ekelem and Danielle Russell. He was a loving brother of twelve siblings, seven proceeded him in death: Benjamin Russell, Sr., Lucille Odom, Subera Kidd, Rosa Nell Bracket, Grace Young, Doris Davis and Roosevelt, Jr. Russell. The survivors to cherish his memories are Ruth McCaskey of Lower Peachtree, AL; Genie (Clara) Campbell of Denver, CO; Patricia Brown of Huntsville, AL; Charles (Delois) Russell of Lower Peach Tree, AL; Pearlean (George) Washington of Duluth, GA; Edward (Barbara) Cheeseboro of Packers Bend, AL; Four In-Laws: C.S.M (Ret) Evans (Rose) Washington of Harker Heights, TX; Verlene Powe and Mamie Selvage of Mobile, AL; George Washington of Duluth, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

 He will be greatly missed and will forever live in our hearts.

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