Russell Neill

Russell came into this world January 30, 1951 amidst one of the worst ice and snow storms in Hardin County. His parents who preceded him in death were Ellis Kerr and Clara Mae McFalls Neill.

Russell was raised in the Olivet Community, where he later made his life long home. Russell graduated from Central High School in 1969, then went to work as a carpenter. In 1974 he begin work with H&M Construction Company of Jackson, Tennessee and within a year was made a project superintendent. He continued work with H&M for 42 years, only leaving because of his health. Russell loved his work and took great pride in assuring it was done to perfection. The bigger the project, the better he liked it! He and Linda traveled over the East Coast working and living at several places till a job was complete. But always returned back to their beloved home in Olivet.

Russell wed his high school sweetheart, Linda on May 31, 1969. He was a loving caring husband and enjoyed spoiling Linda. He loved his son and enjoyed hunting with him. He was a softie when it came to his precious granddaughter Sarah. He adored her and gave in to her every whim.

Russell had coached his son's ball teams and introduced him to golf, that they both enjoyed. He always enjoyed working around the house, either on his tractor, his backhoe, or in his shop. He was a master craftsman with wood and built several pieces of furniture for their home. But his most cherished piece was Sarah's baby bed! Friends equalled family to him. He always enjoyed playing cards, sitting around a campfire, great fellowship and cookouts on the river with friends, and Sunday meals at Joe and Bridgett's. He loved his church, church family and all the church activities. His Jeep was his favorite toy. He loved the long rides with Linda and Harley just seeing the countryside and watching for deer. And if you saw him you knew his dog Harley would be right beside him! Russell was a big man with a big heart!

Russell was a member of the Savannah Church of Christ, Pickwick Shrine Club, Al Chyima Shrine of Memphis, Masonic Lodge #102, and Scottish Rite of Corinth, Mississippi.

Russell is survived by his wife, Linda Lou Alexander Neill, his son Rusty Neill and wife Freda, grandson Kirby Smith and wife Megan, granddaughter Sarah Neill, brother Eugene Neill, all of Savannah, Tennessee; and his constant companion, his dog, Harley.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Doug Neill and wife Mary Ellen, Morgan Neill and wife Linda Joyce, and sister-in-law Jessie Neill, and nephew Tommy Neill.

Donations may be made to: Hardin County Cancer Society, 40 Florence Road
Savannah, TN 38372; Darryl Worley Foundation for Cancer Treatment Center, 935 Wayne Road, Savannah, TN 38372; or Savannah Church of Christ, 1175 Pickwick Street South, Savannah, TN 38372.