Pickens Russell

STEVENSON Israel Pickens Russell III died Thursday April 28, 2011, at home.He is survived by his wife of very nearly 70 years, Ernestine Mann Russell and daughters Mary Lucile Allphin (Bob), of Marietta, Ga. and Emily Campbell (the late Johnnie) of Stevenson; two grandchildren, Merideth Allphin Pehler (David) and Mark Russell Allphin (Pam); four great-grandchildren, all of Atlanta and numerous nieces, nephews, great-niece, great-nephews and great-great-nephews.He was 96 years old and had lived on the family farm and in his ancestral home (The Cedars) at Stevenson, Ala., his entire life. Mr. Russell was a farmer, a harness horse trainer and race driver and was especially active in his community. He was a member of Stevenson First United Methodist Church and was involved in every aspect of community service in Stevenson through church, schools, civic organizations and charities.After graduating from Stevenson High School, Pickens Russell began his own farming operation on the farm where he was born. In addition to his farming operation of cattle, hogs, and row crops, he trained and raced Standardbred horses with his brother. He was respected on the national racing scene for his expertise at developing the young trotter or pacer. He retired from the horse racing industry in 1990.Pickens worked for the betterment of his community through business and community organizations. He was an original member of the Jackson County Hospital Board which was instrumental in building Jackson County (Highlands Medical) and North Jackson Hospitals. He was chairman of the Hospital Board when Jackson County Nursing Home was built. He was a founding member of the Stevenson Park Board, an early member of the Depot Museum Board and a member of the SequatchieValley Boy Scout Council. He was named man of the year by the Stevenson CivicClub in 1970. He was a Director of First Southern National Bank for 44years. As a lifelong member of The Stevenson First United Methodist Church, heserved as Chairman of the Board, Chairman of Finance, and Chairman ofTrustees. In his business of farming and training horses, "Pick" employedmany young people in the Stevenson community. Many a youngster seeking adventure and travel learned principles of work ethics, responsibility, and respect from him while grooming horses.During retirement "Pick" made beautiful furniture for family members, tended to the grounds of his home and served as consultant on horse questions. He was into whatever was happening on the farm for any of his extended family, daughters, nephew, nieces, great and great-great-nephews, and always had many rich stories to tell. Into late life, he delighted in sitting on his porch enjoying the grounds of his home, The Cedars.Visitation will be today 6-8 p.m. at Rudder Funural Home in Stevenson, Ala., also Sunday 2-3 p.m. CDT at First United Methodist Church in Stevenson.The memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. CDT at the church.Donations may be made to in memory of Mr. Russell to the First United Methodist Church or Allacare Hospice.