Allen Lee Russell

Allen Lee Russell of Cumming, Ga died Sunday, January 9, 2019; he was 81 years old.  Lee was born in Ravenden, Arkansas on February 8, 1937 to Carlton Yeager Russell and Lola Brown, the youngest of seven children.  Lee and Becky Lacey Russell were married on December 12, 1965, in St. Louis, Mo. 

CSM(Ret) Allen Lee Russell served his country proudly from 1960 to 1991.  During this time he spent two tours in Vietnam, Dec. 1965 – Dec 1966, where he was a door gunner with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company and the 2nd tour was 1969, where he served as a Heavy Weapons Advisor on Military Advisory Team with MAC-V. His awards included the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Stars, Air Medals and Meritorious Service Medals.  He earned both the Combat Infantryman Badge and Air Crewman Wings.   

They remained at Ft. Polk for 30 years prior to coming to Georgia to live near their children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Lee was always active at home and within the community.  He loved to golf, fish, hunt, build, cook and work in his garden. Lee was very involved with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1030 where in 2015 he was awarded VVA member of the year. Additionally, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.  He was also very involved in the Masons, and was a Past Master at Pickering Lodge 477, and was also a member of the Shriners and Scottish Rite. 

Lee is survived by his son, Benjamin Allen Russell; daughter-in-law, Michelle Russell; daughter, Bethany Lacey Russell Chamberlain; son-in-law, James C. Chamberlain; and grandchildren, Kathryn Lacey Russell, James R. Chamberlain, Lacey R. Chamberlain and Benjamin Daniel Russell.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Becky Russell and his parents.  

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing: it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:8

In Lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family has requested that donations be made to:  Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1030 PO Box 3088 Cumming, GA 30028 or First Baptist Church  1597 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040.

Funeral services are scheduled for 6:00 P.M. Thursday, January 10, 2019 in the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.