Mr. Russell was born in Tyler, Tx on September 8, 1945 to Robert and Mercedes Isabell. He united with Jackson Springhill Baptist Church where he was baptized at an early age. He attended Tyler public schools, graduating from Emmett J. Scott High School in 1964. Russell joined the army after graduation where he served 3 years. He then moved to Los Angeles, California for 13 years where he became an LVN. He then moved back to Tyler, Tx to care for his mother after the passing of his father. He worked at U.T. Health Center in his occupation where he met and married the love of his life Ms. Elizabeth Ford. To this union was born two sons Aaron DuBois and Emanuel Russell. Shortly after Russell worked as a mail carrier for many years. He then retired from the postal service in 2007. During his retirement he desired to go back to school where he later received an Associate's Degree from TJC.

Russell was proceeded in death by both parents Robert and Mercedes Isabell and two brothers: Robert Earl Isabell and Carl Lee Isabell; and sister: Versie Isabell Terrell.

He departed this life on Saturday, May 18,2024, leaving to mourn his passing: his devoted wife of 42 years Mrs. Elizabeth Isabell; two sons Aaron (Undrea) Isabell; and Emanuel Isabell; two grandchildren Marlyn and Kezia; two sisters: Dr. Massie Greene(Dr. Andrew) of Chicago, Illinois and Navye Cummings(Glen) of Tyler, Tx and one sister in law: Emma Isabell of Los Angeles, California; one brother in law: Claude Terrell of Fairburn, Georgia; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.