Portland, TN - Mr. Joe Curtis Russell, age 88 of Portland, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Sumner Regional in Gallatin, Tennessee. He was born on April 25th, 1937 in Franklin, Kentucky to the late Charles Russell and Zelpher McFarlin.

Mr. Russell was a 1955 graduate of East Robertson High School where he played for the Indian's basketball team and had many stories he shared proudly. He proudly served in the United States Navy before beginning a career at Potter and Brumfield and Dupont for over twenty years. He enjoyed raising cows, growing and eating things from his garden. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, skiing, golfing, and attending Nascar races. He took pride in teaching his three daughters everything about being strong women and working hard. Joe was a longtime member of Union Chapel General Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Louise West; brothers, Larry McFarlin and Roger McFarlin.

Mr. Russell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn Russell; daughters, Lillian "Lynn" Henson (Neil) and Jo Ann Miller (Neil); grandchildren, Ashley McDonald (Jon), Tyler West, Brent Henson, Aaron Henson (Kimmie), Bryce Keith (Mackenzie), and Faith Keith; great-grandchildren, Izzy Cherry, Alex West, Allison McDonald, Shelby McDonald, Kayla and Alex Henson, Kenzie Henson and Cora Henson; sister, Carol Beasley (Maxey); and brothers, Gary McFarlin (Linda) and Tommy McFarlin (Penny).

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 15th at 1:00 PM from the chapel of Sellars Family Heritage at Portland with Elder Danny Thompson officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Maple Hill Cemetery with military honors. Brent Henson, Bryce Keith, Neil Miller, Neil Henson, Alex West, Tyler West and Aaron Henson will serve as pallbearers. Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Thursday, May 15th, from 11:00 AM until service time at 1:00 PM.

Arrangements by Sellars Family Heritage at Portland, 610 N. Broadway Street, Portland, TN 37148. (615)325-5010, obit line (615)325-9725. Online condolences can now be made at www.sellarsfh.com.