Donald Edward Russell Jr., 83, passed away on March 27, 2026, from natural causes.

Don was born on October 14, 1942, in Marion, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University before enlisting in the United States Army. While serving as an Honor Guard at Fort McPherson, Georgia, he met Patti, who was volunteering with the USO. Don and Patti dated for four years before marrying on July 4, 1964.

Don’s military service took him around the world. While stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, Don and Patti welcomed their sons, Tommy and Gary. During Don’s second tour in Vietnam, their third son, Donny, was born. The military eventually brought Don and Patti to Columbus when he was transferred to Fort Benning. Don chose to continue his service there and ultimately retired in Columbus, where he was able to provide lasting stability for his family.

Following his retirement as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Army, Don began a second career with AFLAC. He took great pride in his work and later retired from AFLAC as well.

Don was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. An avid golfer, he had a deep passion for the game—one he passed on to his youngest son, Donny. He enjoyed playing in tournaments, including several PGA Pro-Ams, and had the opportunity to play courses around the world, including Pebble Beach and Sawgrass. Beyond playing, Don loved spending time at the clubhouse and working in the golf shop, where he enjoyed helping others with their game.

Above all, Don cherished his family. His love was steady, generous, and far-reaching. He devoted himself to his wife, his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always making time to be present in their lives. His love extended to his nieces, whom he cherished as his own, and to their families as well. Don held a special place in his heart for his granddaughters, Caroline and Dylann and took great joy in supporting them—whether on the sidelines, in the stands, at recitals listening to Caroline sing, or simply by their side—offering encouragement every step of the way with the love only a Poppop could give. He treasured family time and found happiness in even the simplest moments, including giving wheelchair rides to his great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Edward Russell and Helen Louise Russell; his brother, Charles Allen Russell (Sharon); and his sister, Patricia Ellen Lust (Dave).

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Ann Russell; his sons, William (Tommy) Thomas Russell (Sherry), Gary Michael Russell (Tonia), and Donald Edward Russell III; his sister, Phyllis Russell; his grandchildren, Corey Neal Cummings (Kendall), Kyle Stewart Cummings, Caroline LeeAnn Russell Fuller (Andrew), and Dylann Paige Russell; and his great-grandchildren, Caiden Kyle Cummings, Kinsley Brooke Cummings, Lorelai Lynn Fuller, Phobe Jean Cummings, Palmer Alice Cummings, and Ronan Larry Gunn Fuller.

To honor Don’s life, the family suggests memorial donations to Wake for Warriors in lieu of flowers. Donations may be mailed to 697 Lee Road 339, Salem, AL 36874, or made online at www.wakeforwarriors.org/donate.