David L. Russell

David L. Russell, 74, of Jonesboro passed away at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas on May 3, 2013 after an extended stay. He loved the staff that took care of him and appreciated their efforts. He was known as “Daddy Rabbit” to his ball players, friends, and family.

He was born in Pender County, NC on November 7, 1938. He attended New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1960. He delivered the Memphis Commercial Appeal and the Arkansas Democrat for 27 years. He then opened and operated the Penny Pantry on Stadium for 9 years.

He volunteered coaching Little League, Jr. Babe Ruth, Sr. Babe Ruth, and American Legion. He loved the kids; he loved Jonesboro; he loved the American Legion and he loved baseball. He was inducted into the Jonesboro Babe Ruth Baseball Wall of Honor in 2007. He coached for 30 plus years and served as American Legion Baseball Commissioner for Northeast Arkansas for three years. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Dean Russell of Jonesboro; two daughters, Shirley Hill and her husband, Scott of Jonesboro and Lynn Long and her husband, Richard of Jonesboro; one son, Ronnie Webb and his wife, Kathy of Houston, TX; 13 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; his sister, Amelia Huggins and husband, David of Castle Hayne, NC; and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Raynor; his step father, Ed Raynor; and one step brother, Donald Murray; step father, Charles P. Murray; and grandparents, Betty & Reggie Goodwin.

He was raised and baptized in the Baptist faith as a young man. He rededicated his life to the Lord in 2012.

Visitation will be Sunday 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be Monday, May 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Bro. Danny Russell officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers include Dan Curtwright, Richard Long, Jonathan Mead, Matt Middleton, Brandon Holt, David Holt, Nathan Tompkins, and Brian Roedel. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Cody Holland, Dr. Mark Sifford, Dr. Roger Hill, Dr. Veryl Hodges, and Dr. Devi Nair.