James Huerlan Russell

James Huerlan Russell, 88, of Comer, GA passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours on Friday, May 22, 2026. He was born on June 5, 1937, son of the late James Knox Russell and the late Lorena Nealy Carithers Russell.

He retired from the United States Air Force in 1977 after nearly 22 years of service as a Technical Sergeant serving with the 6985th Security Squadron of the United States Air Force Security Service. He was a Morse Systems Supervisor charged with intercepting encrypted Soviet communications aboard EC-135 and EC-47 aircraft.

Following his military service, he worked with Alltel as a telephone line installer and repairman where he retired after 15 years. In his retirement he spent his days doting on his grandchildren, whom he adored, tinkering with old appliances in his shop, and watching the Braves.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years Virginia Pauline Johnson Russell; three brothers, Jimmy Russell, Danny Ray Russell, and Jerry Lee Russell Sr.; sister Mary Frances Russell Thomas; son Bruce Russell; and niece Susan Armstrong.

He is survived by his daughters Anna Marie Russell Woods (Darrell Woods) of Comer, GA and Patricia Russell Akins (Joseph Akins) of Danielsville, GA; his grandchildren, Ryan James Greene-Woods (Terri Michelle Greene-Woods) of Colbert, GA, Katie Elizabeth Akins of Vail, CO, Tyler Darrell Woods (Bethany Lee) of Athens, GA, and Emily Lorena Akins DeYampert (LJ DeYampert) of Bremen, GA; his great-grandchildren Percy Lee Woods and Abigail Grace DeYampert; his brother Knox Wayne “Butch” Russell (Inya) of Comer, GA; his sisters-in-law Carol Allen (Bob) and Ann Brooks (Ray) of Danielsville, GA, Linda Hunnius (Jim) of Richmond, VA, Rachel Coker (Randolph) of Comer, GA, and Sandra Adams Russell; his nieces Vicki Watkins (Guy), Danielle Johnson (Eric), and Casey Luke (Jason); nephews Jerry Lee “Rusty” Russell Jr. (Leilani) and Preston Russell; and his many great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home in Danielsville, GA. Funeral services will be held following the visitation with David Hutchinson officiating. Interment will follow at Union Baptist Church Cemetery in Hull, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations be made to The Fisher House (Fort Gordon), Fisher House Road, Building 280, Fort Gordon, GA 30905, or a charity of your choice.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com