Johnnie Eugene Russell
June 7, 1950 — December 19, 2012
Johnnie Eugene Russell, 62, Bidwell, Ohio passed away Wednesday December 19, 2012 in the Pleasant Valley Hospital, Point Pleasant, West Virginia. He was born June 7, 1950 in Gallipolis, Ohio, son of John Kenneth Russell, Bidwell, Ohio and the late Helen Maxine (Knight) Russell. Johnnie was a graduate of North Gallia High School Class of 1968 and of Rio Grande Community College, ADE Fraternity member, Class of 1973 with a degree in Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist.
He was a former employee of Gallipolis Developmental Center as an Activity Therapy Administrator. He was an Auxiliary Deputy with the Gallia County Sheriff's Office from 1978 to present and served as President of the Special Deputies Association. Johnnie's memberships include: Vinton Masonic Lodge #131, as Past Master and where he also held several other positions; the Order of the Eastern Star Vinton Chapter #375, where he was a Past Worthy Patron; the Democratic Party, where he held the office of Central Committeeman and organized many rallies throughout the county; he was also a former trustee for Morgan Township.
Johnnie was a proud supporter of the Gallia County Junior Fair, where he served as a Fair board Member and organized fair security for many years; Johnnie was also a farmer on the family farm, Russell's White Oak Valley Farm and was very involved in various civic functions throughout the county and state.
Married August 7, 1976 to Carol Rottgen, they had two children: Tina Russell (Dennis Foley) and Melissa (Andy) Russell Blank along with two grandchildren, Isabella Dawn-Marie Foley and Andrew John (AJ) Blank II.
Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Sunday December 23, 2012 in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton with Pastor H. Michael Goodnite officiating. Burial will follow in the Vinton Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday 3:00-8:00 PM. Masonic services will be conducted by Vinton F&AM Lodge #131 at 7:45 PM Saturday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com