David Russell - Class of 1949

[Bob]

RUSSELL, DAVID L. - Knoxville businessman passed away on Friday November 14, 2014, at the age of 84. Born on January 9, 1930, Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Calvin Russell; and his loving wife, Merle Russell. He is survived by his sister, Shirley Hancock; his son, David W. McKnight, wife Judy, and their two daughters April and Crystal; his son, Mike, wife Anna, and their two sons Alex and Baylor. David is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and six other children. Upon the death of his father in 1965, David assumed the helm of the family business, Knoxville Sheet Metal Works, Inc. and served as its CEO for over 50 years. In keeping with the times he initiated the name Steel Plate Fabricators, molding it into an industry leader that continues to operate under a fourth generation of Russell's which is currently operated by his son Mike. In 1973 he founded Olympic Metals, building a 120,000 square foot steel service center in Loudon, providing jobs to numerous local residents for decades. Dave is currently a member of Son Light Baptist church. He was previously a member of Central Baptist of Bearden, and Tennessee Avenue Baptist. At Dave's request, burial and interment are private. The family will receive friends and gather to share stories and memories on Friday, November 21st from 5:00-7:00 pm at Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel, with the service to follow. Rev. Eddie Meyers is officiating. We are most grateful for his past and present caregivers, Cricket Johnson, Dorothy Strickland, Angie Hylton, Betsy Taub, Karen Day-Newton, Kathy Seroi, and Barbara Browning. We thank Dr. Lee Toney, nurse Sasha Thomas, and the staff of Summit Medical Group for their attention and service. The family would also like to thank NHC Farragut and UT Hospice. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Madden, George Brown, Lester Gann, Ralph Soulby, John Garrison, Walter Wise, Joe Mont McAfee, David Epperson, members of the Aces Investment Group, and invited past and present employees of Knoxville Sheet Metal Works, Inc., Steel Plate Fabricators and Olympic Metals. Memorial contributions may be made to East TN Children's Hospital, or
in Memphis, and ETTAC (East Tennessee technology Access Center). Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Russell family and invites you to view and sign the guestbook at www.gentrygriffey.com.