PEDRO — Ernest “Chop” Russell, 82, of Pedro went peacefully Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, surrounded by his many loved ones to be with the Lord and his beautiful wife of almost 60 years Betty Friend Russell who passed away eight weeks earlier. The Pedro native was born Jan. 12, 1928, the son of the late Elmer and Bertha Abrams Russell.

Mr. Russell was a retired timberer and of the Baptist faith. Chop was a Christian who loved the outdoors, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. He never met a stranger and was quick to make friends with everyone.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by three brothers, Manual, Elmer and Orville Russell; and three sisters, Elizabeth Turvey, Bessie Summers and Viola Aldridge.

Chop is survived by his six children, Frances and Arthur Mosley of Pedro, Connie and Paul Fyffe of Ironton, Richard Lee and Sue Russell of Wheelersburg, Trish and Joe Shilling of Wheelersburg, Michelle and Randall Malone of Pedro and Michael and Betty Russell of Pedro; sister, Katie French of Marion; brother, Jimmy Russell of Oak Hill; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Phillips Funeral Home with the Rev. James Cremeans officiating. Burial will follow in Vernon Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from noon until the time of the service at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.