OBITUARY: Edward Ray Russell

Edward Ray Russell (Eddie Ray) was born March 15, 1941, in Slick Ford, Kentucky to parents Baird Lee and Monty Nettie Kerns. Baird was a traveling preacher and times being what they were in ’41 and ’42 they were unable to take care of small children and Eddie was put into an orphanage. After several years he was legally adopted by Joe Russell and Alma Russell of New Castle, Indiana.

Eddie went through elementary, middle and high school in New Castle, being a part of the Class of 1960. He had one sister, also adopted by the Russell’s, Sandy Bell (dec) and a step-sister, Mary Stonecipher. He also, had a brother who was adopted by another family, Stoney Stonebraker (dec). Eddie was married to Linda Loveless (div) of New Castle and they had one daughter, Tammy Jo Loveless, and through her he was blessed with three grandchildren, Melissa Guffy, Jeremiah (Jeremy) Sorrell and Jessica Sorrell and three great-grandchildren, Ava, Connor and Cora.

Following that he married Pat Russell (div & dec) of California, blessed with two children, Mark Russell and Tracy Nugent, three grandchildren, Chelsea, Cortney and Michael and one great-grandchild, Dianna. He then married Terri Kay Russell (div & dec) of Kansas City and together they had one son, Edward Russell II and one granddaughter Emily Kay Russell. He is currently married to Deb Wallin of Hendersonville, TN and has one brother-in-law, David Hallquist, one stepson Matthew Wallin, two grandchildren, Matthew Wallin Jr and Brianna Hill and one great grandson, JB Hill (with a great granddaughter on the way). He was blessed with many cousins and nieces and nephews.

Eddie had many jobs or professions, but his love would be music, so although he attempted to hold down traditional work, ultimately, he would follow his heart and work in areas of the music industry. He toured the world as an artist, independent and at one time signed to RCA and eventually settled in Nashville where he worked for many years as CEO and producer of Castle Records, Nashville. Much more could be said about his extensive life experience, and I think his friends and family have all heard the stories and would love to share.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 3pm-6pm with a service to follow at 6pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home. Eddie will then return home and have a visitation from 11am-1:30pm at Rose City Funeral Home 2011 Broad Street, New Castle, Indiana. A funeral service will begin at 1:30pm with Brett Rains officiating. Burial will follow at South Mound Cemetery in New Castle, Indiana.