Henry Phillip Russell, Jr.

Henry Phillip Russell, Jr. a retired dairy farmer and former State Senator for the 10th district died May 1, 2005. Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Daniel Smoak and the Rev. Keith Hill will officiate. Mr. Russell was born on July 6, 1916, and was one of thirteen children born to Henry Phillip Russell and Leila Harris Russell who both preceded him in death. His wife of 62 years, Myrtis Dekle Russell, also preceded him in death. Mr. Russell attended and graduated from Thomasville High School and shortly thereafter entered the dairy business. With the outbreak of World War II, he entered the United States Navy and served as a member of the United States Naval Amphibious Corp with a period of active service in the Pacific theater operations. After the war, he returned to Thomas County where he continued his dairy business. He was also active in civic affairs and veterans group. He was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Club and a director of the Georgia Jersey Cattle Club, Past President of the Thomas County Livestock Association, an officer of the Allen-Cook American Legion Post #4995, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chief of Staff and Vice Commander of the State Department of the VFW, Thomas County Farm Bureau, and Thomasville Elks Lodge. For six years Mr. Russell was a member of the Thomas County Board of Commissioners where he served as chairman of the Roads Committee. He was elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives in 1960 and held that office as well as that of County Commissioner during his first term. He served five terms in the House of Representatives and two terms in the Georgia State Senate. A lifelong Presbyterian, Mr. Russell attended the First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville during his formative years, was a member of the Boston Presbyterian Church for 30 years where he served as both a Deacon and an Elder; and at his death, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville. Mr. Russell is survived by a son, Henry Phillip Russell, III Hank and his wife Peggy and a daughter, Sally Russell Blaine and her husband, Chris Blaine. Grandchildren include Henry Russell, IV Hal and wife Jill, Holly Russell Hurst and husband Terry, Audra Blaine, Rebecca Blaine, and Kirk Blaine. Great Grandchildren include Jacob Russell, Jared Russell, Abby Hurst, Caleb Hurst, and Leila Hurst. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Boston Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 99, Boston, GA 31626. The family will receive friends at the home of Holly Russell Hurst, 927 Sally St., Boston, GA from 6-8PM Tuesday. Visitors may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com .