"Just wanted you to know I have been thinking about you. Mikey"
In loving memory of
David L. Russell
January 9, 1930 - November 14, 2014
Knoxville businessman David L. Russell passed away on Friday November 14, 2014, at the age of 84. Born on January 9, 1930, Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Calvin Russell; and his loving wife, Merle Russell. He is survived by his sister, Shirley Hancock; his son, David W. McKnight, wife Judy, and their two daughters April and Crystal; his son, Mike, wife Anna, and their two sons Alex and Baylor. David is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and six other children. Upon the death of his father in 1965, David assumed the helm of the family business, Knoxville Sheet Metal Works, Inc. and served as its CEO for over 50 years. In keeping with the times he initiated the name Steel Plate Fabricators, molding it into an industry leader that continues to operate under a fourth generation of Russell's which is currently operated by his son Mike. In 1973 he founded Olympic Metals, building a 120,000 square foot steel service center in Loudon, providing jobs to numerous local residents for decades. Dave is currently a member of Son Light Baptist church. He was previously a member of Central Baptist of Bearden, and Tennessee Avenue Baptist. At Dave's request, burial and interment are private. The family will receive friends and gather to share stories and memories on Friday, November 21st from 5:00-7:00 pm at Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel, with the service to follow. Rev. Eddie Meyers is officiating. We are most grateful for his past and present caregivers, Cricket Johnson, Dorothy Strickland, Angie Hylton, Betsy Taub, Karen Day-Newton, Kathy Seroi, and Barbara Browning. We thank Dr. Lee Toney, nurse Sasha Thomas, and the staff of Summit Medical Group for their attention and service. The family would also like to thank NHC Farragut and UT Hospice. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Madden, George Brown, Lester Gann, Ralph Soulby, John Garrison, Walter Wise, Joe Mont McAfee, David Epperson, members of the Aces Investment Group, and invited past and present employees of Knoxville Sheet Metal Works, Inc., Steel Plate Fabricators and Olympic Metals. Memorial contributions may be made to East TN Children's Hospital, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, and ETTAC (East Tennessee Technology Access Center). Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Russell family and invites you to view and sign the guestbook below.
Tributes
"We are praying for your family after this loss. We know he meant so much to so many in this community as well as his family."
"Beth and I send our love, prayers, and thoughts to Dave's whole family. Over the years his wisdom and humor have been a blessing to us."
"David was a great inspiration in my life his family are in my prayers in this sad and painful time he will be truly missed"
"I have been blessed to be apart of Mr. Russell's life. He gave unconditional love to my girls and I. He showed us that good people are still alive and willing to open there arms to love. You are greatly missed Sir. I look up in the sky and see you looking down smiling at us. I know you are at peace. I hear you saying in my ear how much you love us. Mike we love and miss you Ann and the boys. Be strong and know God is keeping Mr. Russell busy. I know he truly feels like a June Bride right now. Rest in Peace Sir. I miss you so much Sir."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Russell was such a wonderful friend to our family for so many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"My deepest sympathy goes out to Mike and the other family members."
"Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you into myself; that where I am, you may be also. I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you Suzanne, Cindy, Karen, Kelly ,Jill, Mike, Doug and all of Daves family during this difficult time. Know that your father is at peace and is sitting at the right hand side of God rejoicing and praising our creator. You will reunite soon."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Russell family. David was my first cousin and I did think a lot of him but the only time I saw him was at our family reunion. I am sure he will be sadly missed. He had a lot of friends. Sincerely, Jim and Dot Bailey"
"He was a great man. So kind and sweet. It was a pleasure to take care of him. Loved it when he would call me youngin. He will be missed!!!"
"I knew Dave as a fellow church member and brother in christ. he was a good and caring friend He will be missed"
"I got to visit with David last month and it was a pleasure. My best to his Family in this difficult time."
"Mr. Russell will be missed. I enjoyed our phone conversations and seeing him in the office and how he loved his Mello Yello at his desk! He was always very kind to me."
"He was and always will be an inspiration of mine. He always treated me fairly and as a family member . I remember him always working late and taking are of his family and friends. A good man I pray for the family and friends . I wish we could all mould our selves as a true friend as he was to me. As he would say see you old buddy."
"I'll always remember the many good times I had with Dave and our friends. Wish I could be there to celebrate his life and memories with all his family. Will really miss you, Dave. Tom"
"I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Russell while working for Olympic Metals. He was a very kind and sweet man who will me missed by many. I pray that the family finds peace and comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Teresa Coffey"
"I am sorry for your loss..I know that our dad's will be enjoying there time again being United together. He was a great man and my father consider him as a True friend. ..My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. David Prince"
"David was kind, generous and an astute businessman. I pray for healing for his loving family."
"My heart goes out to David's family and many friends on this sad occasion. I have many great memories of David. He was one of Knoxville's true treasures."
"Dad was also very loving to Suzanne Russell, Cindy Clabough (Rick Clabough), Karen Reed (the late David Reed), Kelly Loftis (Perry Loftis), Jill Russell and Doug Russell (Angela Russell). He was also a proud and loving Grandfather of Jeremy Allen, Chris Conner, Jason Loftis, Stacy Frank, Christian Davis, Joshua Loftis, Kerry Conner, Katie Wheeler, Michael Reed, Savannah Russell and David Lee Russell, II. He adored his Great-Grandchildren Blake and Tyler Loftis, Molleigh and Jacob Loftis, Owen and Zane Wheeler. We will always remember the love and compassion he gave to each and every one of us. His legacy will continue through us. Psalm 37:26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed."
"Thoughts to all with the loss of your dad, your brother your grandpa and your friend. Mr. Russell did a lot for his family and his community. He will be missed."
"Thoughts and prayers to the Russell Family with the loss of your dad, your brother and your grandfather."