Blake Joseph Russell

Blake Joseph Russell was born November 8, 1983 and lived his life with faith, courage & hope. On a youth retreat in 1996 with Clear Springs Baptist Church, to Vanderbilt University campus, he accepted Christ as his Lord & Savior and drew his first breath of life as a Christian. On November 19, 2016 Blake drew his last breath of life at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Although his time here was brief Blake fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. His life was filled with love, especially from his high school sweetheart and wife, Erica and daughters Jessica & Brittany Birchfiel; Mom & Dad Sonya & Michael Russell; Father-in-law Hal Thompson, Brother-in-law Blake Thompson, Grandparents Suan (Memee) & Ray Floyd. Preceded in death by Papaw Donnie Cope, Grandparents R.F. & Ruth Russell, Aunt Carolyn Heaton, Best Buddy Raymond Cook, and special four legged friends Surprise & Lucy. He will be missed by friends Jeremy Wyrick, B. J. Gardner, Alan & Joey Dillon, and so many others he met on his life's journey who were touched by his passion, fun loving personality and strong spirit. Blake was so proud of his achievement as an Eagle Scout, Troop No. 55, and a member of the Gibbs High School ROTC program, Rifle Team, receiving an invitation to tryout as a member of the 2004 Olympic Team. He was in the Tennessee Air National Guard 2003 - 2006. He was proud of his country and longed to march alongside the men and women who defend our country, our freedom and our flag. His favorite color was Red, White and Blue. Although he made a valiant effort his dream of a military career was ended by PSC of the liver and resulting medical limitations. Blake enjoyed the simple things in life and was the definition of a "good ole country boy". He loved fishing, camping, gardening, NASCAR and Georgia Bulldog football. He was happy in his Toyota truck comfortable in his favorite cap, old faded Wrangler blue jeans and boots. He even liked necks that were a little bit "red". Blake's kind heart and gentle hand made him a friend to all animals. He leaves behind horses Doc, Denny, Dusty and DJ and his dogs Odie, Dixie and Zoey. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to The Jeep Club for their efforts to raise money to benefit Blake's medical costs and to Dr. Al-Tawil, Dr. Perri, Dr. Karp, Dr. Stewart and the staff at Vanderbilt Medical Center. It would please Blake if in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Union County Humane Society, 719 Hickory Star Rd., Maynardville, TN 37807. And to honor Blake and his struggle to live that could only be possible by a liver donation we ask you to please consider being an organ donor. As Blake would say, "Pay it Forward", Yee-Yee #28. Family and friends will call at their convenience at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Funeral Services, with military honors, will be held on Friday, November 25th, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel. Dr. Alan Smith will be officiating. Just as Blake would do, please show up in your favorite blue jeans and boots.