Billy Ray Russell age 80 of Knoxville passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018 at Blount Memorial Hospital. He retired from the United States Coast Guard after 22 years of service and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Russell; daughter, Melissa Coker; granddaughter, Holly Shafer; brothers, James L. Russell and Danny C. Atchley. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Julie Russell; grandchildren, Payton Russell, Anna Russell, Amy Coker, Zachary Coker, and Samantha Coker; brothers, Johnny Atchley and David Atchley; sisters, Faye Thornton, Carolyn McGaha, Matrilyn Zavala, Judy Richards, and Tina Atchley. Family and friends will assemble at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 for the interment with full military honors and Rev. Bob Zavattieri officiating. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com
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