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On Friday February 12, 2021, H.D. “Butch” Russell, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at the age of 74. Butch was born on July 27, 1946 in Carrollton, AL to H.S. and Mannie (Bryan) Russell.

In 1968, he married the love of his life, Betty Hamlin. They raised one son, Bryan, and were almost inseparable for 52 years.

Butch is survived by his wife, Betty; son and daughter-in-law, Bryan Russell and Natalie Johnston-Russell; grandchildren Liam and Lorelei Russell; sisters Mary Evelyn Drain, Hilda Faye Russell, and Barbara Ann Hatcher. He was preceded in death by his parents H.S. and Mannie Russell and brothers Richard Bryan Russell, Carl Russell, and sister Sadie Russell Harlan.

Known for his fairness, compassion, great sense of humor and love of cooking (especially BBQ), Butch  loved his grandchildren Lorelei and Liam more than anything else.

Butch was a long-time educator that served as teacher, coach, and principal in Selma and then in Demopolis. He represented Third District Athletic Association on the Central Board of Control of the        Alabama High School Athletic association for a number of years, was a long time member of the Demopolis Rotary Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow. He wanted to be remembered as an educator that cared about children and wanted them to succeed.

Pallbearers will be Pete Peppenhorst, Jimmy Stanford, Scott Freeman, Scott Biggs, Joe Bedsole, and David Stephens. Honorary pallbearers include Andrews Sunday School Class, Thursday Morning Prayer Breakfast Group, Buttmasters BBQ team, The Selma Aunts and Uncles, Coach Cody Keene, and all past and present faculty staff at Demopolis High School.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Demopolis at 11:00 a.m. A private burial followed in the afternoon in Aliceville. For those who are so moved, memorial gifts can be made to the Demopolis City Schools Foundation.