Charles Lee Russell was born May 14,1944 in Cary, Mississippi to the late John Henry Russell and Ruby Collins Russell. He accepted Christ at an early age at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Anguilla, Mississippi, where he served as a faithful member, dedicated servant and member of the deacon board until the Lord gently called him on July 12, 2022 and said, "Well done good and faithful servant, Come Home". He was preceded in death by his loving and nurturing parents John Henry and Ruby Russell and six siblings.

In June of 1969, he united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Georgia Carroll McLaurin Russell. To this union three sons were born.

Charles received his diploma in 1964 from Henry Weathers High School. He went on to further receive an AA degree from Coahoma Jr. College and a BS degree from Jackson State University. He positively impacted the lives of many in his endeavors as an educator in Sharkey County for 37 years and as an Alderman of the City of Rolling Fork for 33 consecutive years. He was also a lifetime member of the Sky Unlimited Social and Civic Club.

Having graciously touched and impacted their lives, he leaves to cherish his memory: his loving and devoted wife of 53 years Georgia McLaurin Russell; one daughter, Sheryl Johnson Miller(Willie); four sons, Reginald Russell (Hollis) of Biloxi, MS, Rodric Russell (Vonda) of Canton, MS, Jeffrey Russell (Cecily) of Nesbit, MS and Robert Hals of Anguilla, MS; three sisters, Ruby Cherry of Cincinnati, OH, Alma Smith of Schaumburg, IL and Betty Williams (Gerone) of Carthage, MS; one brother Edward Russell(Betty) of Chicago, IL;14 grandchildren, 12 great- grandchildren, a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and in-laws.