McMinnville resident and DeKalb County native John Thomas “Tom” Russell, 84, was born Sept. 27, 1932 and died May 16 at his residence following an extended illness.He was retired from Ben Lomand Telephone Company, a farmer, affiliated with the Baptist faith, and the son of the late Taylor and Ella West Russell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by first wife, Linnie Belle Smith Russell (1950-2004), brother Eugene Russell; and two sisters Louvella Jones and Anna Ruth Barnes.He was married Dec. 12, 2009 to Audrey Knowles Russell of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and their spouses, Cynthia and Rayburn Pedigo, Melissa and Joey Livesay, and Tony and Angie Russell, all of McMinnville; six grandchildren and their spouses, Russell and Teresa Pedigo, Josh and Rachel Livesay, Brad and Sandy Pedigo, Brandi and John Dunlap, Heather and Ethan Massa, and Kristin and DeMorro Grayson; 12 great-grandchildren; three stepsons and spouses, Levoy and Teresa Knowles of McMinnville, Terry and Pam Knowles of Murfreesboro, and Chuck Knowles of Clarksville; four step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren; special caregivers, Sandra Brown, Donna Harrell, Christy Smartt and Lisa Womack; and several nieces and nephews also survive.Funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at High’s Chapel with Gary McBride and Darrell Cantrell officiating.