John Russell

John William Russell Sr., 70, of Cleveland, TN, passed away on May 14, 2025.

John was known and loved by many for his larger-than-life personality. A professional wrestler for many years, he was famously known in the ring as "The Assassin"-even wrestling a bear on four separate occasions. Off the mat, he was equally hardworking, spending over 30 years as a truck driver with the Co-Op.

John had a deep love for fishing and a heart for ministry. He faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher for many years, investing in the lives of others through his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lucille Russell and his brother, James Russell.

John leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in his family: his devoted wife of 25 years, Rosemary Russell; his children, John Russell Jr., Melissa Hardin (David), and Jennifer McCrary; grandchildren, Tristan Russell, Reagan Hicks (Greg Roark), Taylor Hardin (Isaac Plumley), and Sydney McCrary; and great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Hicks, Hunter Odum, Luke Odum, and Xavier Russell. He is also survived by his sisters Wanda Sanders (Jessie), Lecia Sprague (Lester), Helen Conner, and Stella Mae (Larry) and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Victory Faith Baptist Church, located at 1253 SE King Edward Avenue, Cleveland, TN 37311. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 6:00 PM, with Pastor Gary Farris officiating.

You are invited to share a personal memory of John or condolences with his family at his online memorial at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Russell family with these arrangements.