Michael "Mike" Gene Russell

Michael Gene was an artist all his life--an avid guitar player and songwriter, but metal artistry was his true calling. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and was renowned for his talents of grilling and smoking. He served as welding instructor at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology for many years. He was a spirited and generous husband, father, and friend to all.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lorene Russell and his parents-in-law Bennett and Carol Hutsell.

He is survived by his loving wife Diane Russell and their beloved animals Gracie Mae, Jed, and Scrappy;

his son Ben and his wife Stephanie Russell and their children Clay, Bryce and his wife Madilyn, and Alex of Evansville, Indiana;

his daughter Megan Villines and her husband Jeremy and their children Rebekah, Samuel, and Lillian of Newburgh, Indiana;

his stepdaughter Lindsey Meyer and her husband Philip and their son Roy of Chattanooga, TN;

his stepson Jacob Houston and his wife Rebecca of Chattanooga, TN;

and his stepson Will Houston and his wife Peyton and their son Fenn of Athens, TN.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in his memory to McMinn Regional Humane Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The family will receive friends at Ziegler Funeral Home in Athens on Friday, April 11th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a service to follow.

You are invited to sign the online registry at www.zieglerfuneralhome.com

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with serving the family of Mike Russell.