John Edward Russell, affectionately called “Big John” by friends,  by family as “Kookie”, passed away unexpectedly Saturday,  March 14, 2026, at Sentara Hospital.

He was born June 26,1959 in Courtand, VA to the late Akin Russell Sr. and Hannah M. Ricks Russell who resides in Hampton VA.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 39 years Rosalyn Marie Johnson Russell. They met in Fisherville, VA at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center as students.

He was the 6th of 7 children.  He is survived by Brothers: Robert (Jacqueline) Russell of Hampton, VA; Wilfred (Rita) Russell, Newport News, VA; Akin (Melissa) Russell of Norwich, CT; Sisters: Ruth Russell of Newport News, VA; and Jewel (Keith) Stanley of Hampton, VA. One Maternal Aunt: Bertha Ricks of Portsmouth, VA.  John had a host of Beloved Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and his Beloved Spiritual Family. All were very important to him, and they were always greeted with a big smile and a HUG!

John began his education at Georgie Tyler Elementary School, then Windsor High School both in Windsor, VA, where he fell in love with the sport of football. He played 4 years for Windsor High.  He then attended Phoebus High where he graduated.  John moved and attended vocational school at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fisherville, Va. He studied Electricity and Furniture Repair/Upholstery, and met the love of his life, Rosalyn Marie Johnson!

John was a quick-witted, fun-loving guy who loved Jehovah and all He stands for.  He dedicated his life to Jehovah and was baptized on July 17, 1993.  He served the Foxhill Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a Ministerial Servant and also volunteered in the attendant department during Assemblies and Conventions. When given a job concerning the Kingdom, John GOT IT DONE. He was so dependable! Many became acquainted with him while he was handling these important responsibilities, and he became Uncle John to many! His quick-witt came into play because he ALWAYS had a rhyme, quote or slogan for everyone’s name or presence.  You were in trouble if it was an odd name! For these reasons He gained so many more Nieces, Nephews and Family!  Due to his friendship with Jehovah he acquired a new loving, extra family that loved him dearly!

When not participating in Kingdom service, he would wear his favorite football team’s colors or logo—burgundy and gold. He was a die hard The Washington Commanders (formerly Washington Redskins) fan.

Only Jehovah knows how much we miss John, but we know it’s only a little sleep for him. It’s much more serious for us because we have to finish our race faithfully and make it to the new system of things and be reunited with him in the resurrection!

Lovingly, The Russell Family

Memorial : Sat., April 25, 1pm

at 717 E. Little Back River Rd, Hampton VA 23669