Feb. 17, 2011 - Johnny Edgar Russell, age 67, went home to be with his Lord on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, at his home in Leonard.

Russell was born on Feb. 20, 1943, in Woodbine to Robert Lemuel Russell and Thelma Jane (Walker) Russell. He was a high school graduate from Callisburg High School. He married Rose Marie Thetford on Sept. 6, 1963, in Gainesville.

He was in the lumber business all his life, starting out at Foxworth-Galbraith in Whitesboro. He was promoted to manager over the Foxworth-Galbraith yards in Bonham, Commerce, and Greenville, and later owning his own lumberyard in Leonard, and finally retiring from Foxworth-Galbraith in Rowlett in 2005. After retiring, he enjoyed driving the school bus for Leonard ISD. He enjoyed being an active part of his grandchildren's activities and upbringing. He was a loving husband, father, and granddad.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jimmy Russell of Collinsville.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Russell of Leonard; daughters Joyce Buchanan and husband Mark of Leonard, and Gayla Brummett of Whitewright and Jeff Shane Holm of Leonard; grandchildren, Lauren Buchanan, Jake Buchanan, Jordan Brummett, Sydney Brummett, and Molly Brummett; brother, Jerry Russell and wife Yevonne of Gainesville; sister, Patsy Mauldin and husband Leon of Gainesville; sister-in-law, Frances Russell of Collinsville; and many nephews, nieces and cousins; and neighbors and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. in Leonard at the First Baptist Church with visitation afterwards. A memorial service will also be held Sunday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. in Collinsville at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.

He chose to donate his body to UT Southwestern Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to FBC Leonard, PO Box 1146, Leonard, TX 75452, or Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Grady Cox, 419 Walnut Street, Collinsville, Tx 76233. Arrangements are under the direction of the First Baptist Church in Leonard.