John Paul Russell, Jr.

John Paul Russell, Jr., 63, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, formerly of Bogota, passed away at his residence on October 23, 2026, at the age of 63. He was born on November 13, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee.

John built his working life as an Industrial Balancing Technician for Ray's Industrial Balancing in Dallas, Texas. He was also a member of West Dyersburg Church of Christ.

Music was at the center of John’s life. A very talented musician and singer, he loved to play the guitar and had a remarkable gift for playing any instrument. He performed in several bands in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, and he also played professionally. For John, life was rooted in music, family, and helping others learn to play guitar. He loved listening to music and was a very happy person who enjoyed keeping his family and friends laughing. His warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

He died from short-term pancreatic cancer. Even in the face of illness, the memory of his kindness, humor, and deep love for those around him remains a lasting gift to his family and friends.

John is survived by his son, John Paul Russell, III, and his wife, Elaina, of Dyersburg, Tennessee; his mother, Brenda Epley Russell of Dyersburg, Tennessee; and his father, John Paul Russell, Sr., and his wife, Donna, of Memphis, Tennessee. He is also survived by his brothers, Jay Russell and his wife, Jeanine, of Byhalia, Mississippi, and Josh Russell and his wife, Nathalie, of Hernando, Mississippi; and by his sisters, Shannon Farrell and her husband, Cliff, of San Antonio, Texas, Heather Balthrop and her husband, Doug, of Newbern, Tennessee, Ashley Crocker and her husband, Burl, of Lexington, Tennessee, and Autumn Tapp and her husband, Kyle, of Hernando, Mississippi. He also leaves his grandchild, Dorian Russell, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kiley Haynes Russell; his ex-wife, Sharon Darlene Livingston; and his grandparents, Carmon and Mildred Epley and Sam and Andrea Russell.

Visitation will be held on October 29, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Dyersburg Funeral Home, 420 US-51 ByPass W, Dyersburg, Tennessee 38024. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Dyersburg Funeral Home with Mr. Rick Crawford officiating.

John Paul Russell, Jr. will be remembered for his music, his laughter, his love for family, and the encouragement he gave to others. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.