J. Sutton Russell, 71, of Franklin, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2008.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Dewey Hobson Russell and Bertha Sutton Russell. He was preceded in death by half brother, Walter Candler Gray. He was a retired road construction superintendent; a member of First Assembly of God and was a former County Commissioner.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy Angel Russell; three children, Angie Kinsland and husband Paul of Franklin, Vicki Gregory of Spartanburg, SC and Michelle Denise Russell of Franklin; five grandchildren, Nicki Tallent and husband Chuck, Kari Conard, Amanda Hofrichter and husband Gabe, Courtney Gregory and Justin Kinsland; ten great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Steven Evans and Rev. Tom Grubb will officiate. Burial will be in the Clarks Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, September 22, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Tallent, Josh Blanton, Toby Blanton, Jamie Waldroop, Junior Tallent, Joe Doster, Billy Vitatoe and Gabriel Hofrichter.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Greenville Office, 16-A Brozzini Court ,Greenville, SC 29615, Angel Hospice General Fund, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734 or Alzheimer's Caregiver Retreat, 125 Hyatt Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com