Michael Ray Russell

BRUCETON, TENN. - Michael Ray Russell, 76, of Bruceton, Tennessee died at Select Specialty Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Graveside, green-burial services are 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Humbles Cemetery in Huntingdon, Tennessee. Brother Larry DePriest officiating.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Michael was born April 3, 1949, in Watervliet, Michigan, to the late Vernon Russell and Ila MacKenzie. He went on to marry the love of his life, Deborah Russell on June 29, 1968. Theirs was a 57-year love affair.

From 1980 to 1982, Michael was an associate professor and assistant academic dean at Jordan College. From 1982 to 1988, he was a reference librarian in Divinity Library at Vanderbilt University. Since 1996, he was a Senior Editor, Reference Resources, Bible/Reference/Academic Professional MBU The United Methodist Publishing House. In 1976, Michael graduated summa cum laude at The University of Michigan, earning a Master of Arts en passant PhD for Philosophy.  In 2001, he graduated summa cum laude at Vanderbilt University, earning a Master of Arts en passant PhD in Philosophical Theology. He earned multiple education honors. From 1973 to 1975, he was the Ford Foundation Graduate Fellow of The University of Michigan. From 1973 through 1978, he was the Teaching Fellow in Philosophy for The University of Michigan. From 1982 to 1985, he was a Harold Sterling Vanderbilt Scholar at Vanderbilt Divinity School, Vanderbilt University. From 1985 until 1988, he was a University Graduate Fellow at Vanderbilt University.  

Michael was a member of Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He was also a member and recorded minister of Grand Rapids Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In all of these accomplishments, his most outstanding achievement and source of pride was his precious daughter, Michelle Anglea.  

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Russell of Bruceton, Tennessee; his cherished daughter, Michelle (Cordell Lee) Anglea of Bruceton, Tennessee;  sister, Agnes Russell of Cedar Springs, Michigan; grandchildren, Courtney Anglea (Dillon) Chavez  of Davenport, Iowa and Catherine Anglea of Ashville, North Carolina; brother-in-law Jeffrey (Dena) Wright of Cedar Springs, Michigan; sister-in-law, Lisa (Doug) Stearns of Flushing, Michigan and Tamera Garrison of Grand Blanc, Michigan; along with a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Michael is preceded in death by three brother-in-laws, Jim Stowers, Tim Wright and Gary Garrison and dear friend, Pat Floyd.

Honoring him as pallbearers will be Lee Anglea, Dillon Chavez, Joey West, Larry Depriest and Chad Edwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends to plant a tree in honor of Michael.

Dilday-Carter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 731-986-8281