Russel was born in Choctaw County, MS on September 19, 1938. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edison Marion and Effie Tucker McCool, and an infant sister, Juanita McCool.
Survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann McClure McCool, and children, Rusty McCool (Billie Jean) of Tomnolan, MS, Sandy Gilliland (Jay) of Mathiston, MS, and Tammy Fine (Clark) of Montgomery, AL. Seven grandchildren, Hollie McCool Stewart (Jason) of Ackerman, MS, Kyle McCool (Anne Howard) of Starkville, MS, Rachel Gilliland Craig (Otis) of Brandon, MS, Kristen Gilliland Griffin (Les) of Nettleton, MS, Johnny Gilliland of Starkville MS, Joseph Fine (Lauren) of New Orleans, LA, and Mary Katherine Fine Eldridge (Matt) of Nashville, TN. Eight great grandchildren, Anistan, Kenady and Jordan Stewart, Ben, Max and Leslie Ann Griffin, Everett Eldridge , Joseph Fine IV, Sisters, Patsy McCool Graham (Bud -deceased) and Martha McCool Spence (Jimmy), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Russel grew up attending Doty Springs Baptist Church that his grandparents had helped establish and donated the property where the cemetery now stands. After marrying and moving to Ackerman in 1961, the family attended Concord Baptist Church. In 1966, they moved to Ackerman Baptist Church where he remained an active member until his death. He served on the counting committee and served as an usher at ABC. Russel's Sunday School class and XYZ brought him more joy than most anything in his life besides his family.
Russel attended Louisville High School and Mississippi State University where he remained an avid Bulldogs fan for the rest of his life. Afterwards, together with his father, he operated McCool Upholstery Shop for over 50 years. Russel was an active member of the Lions Club, the Ackerman Indians Booster Club, and supported the Choctaw County Chargers as well.
Russel was a devoted father and husband that loved taking his family camping and hiking. He was happiest spending time in the Smoky Mountains, Choctaw Lake and Little Mountain. He was also one of those people that could figure out and do most anything. An avid reader, he never passed a book store without stopping. His children regularly received gifts of tools, books and refurbished furniture as Christmas and birthday gifts.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy and Linda McClure and Rodney and Nell McClure, who were not only family but precious friends. As heartbroken as his family is to lose him, they are so blessed to know that he is reunited with his loved ones in Heaven.