Dr. David Frederick Russell, 92, passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side at his home in Spotsylvania County on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. He is now resting in the hands of his Heavenly Father.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mabel Russell; his beloved first wife of 53 years, Hazel Mae Russell; and his eldest son, David Evan Russell.

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Doris (Heinbuch) Russell; daughter Janet Caricofe (Jerry) of Edenton, N.C.; son Robert "Bob" Russell (Pat) of Stafford County; son Michael Russell (Laura) of New Mexico; son Mark Russell (Nathalie) of Spotsylvania; daughter Virginia "Gini" Cook (Bo) of Spotsylvania; stepdaughter and caregiver Susan "Elise" Heinbuch Phelps of Spotsylvania; stepdaughter Scarlett Heinbuch (David) of Midlothian; stepson Wayde Heinbuch of Mesa, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and many cherished friends and loved ones.

David was born in Detroit, Mich., on June 19, 1932. He met his wife Hazel in 1949, when they were both serving in the Air Force and stationed in Belleville, Ill. They married in 1950. Hazel was honorably discharged from the Air Force shortly before the birth of their first child in 1951, and David stayed enlisted for another year. While living in Tulsa and reflecting on the future of their young and growing family, the couple decided David would answer the call to pursue a career in ministry. The family headed to Springfield, Mo., where David graduated from Bible Baptist College. He was ordained in 1957.

David's pastoral career spanned half a century. After arriving on the East Coast in 1958, he led congregations at several churches, including Rehoboth Baptist in Rehoboth, Md.; Lower Northampton Church on the Eastern Shore; Mountain View Baptist in King George, Va.; Mount Hermon Baptist in Caroline, Va.; and Cornerstone Baptist in Stafford, Va.

Ever the hard worker, David juggled various jobs to support his family while pursuing ministry opportunities. In the 1950s, he modified B-52 bombers at Boeing Aircraft Company. He later worked as an electronics technician and as a substitute teacher. Years later, and with the help of his four teenage sons, David owned and operated a construction business. In 1974, he took a position with the Lowes Corporation and worked there until 1992.

David was a lifelong learner. He studied at Fredericksburg Bible Institute and Seminary, eventually earning bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in theology and a second doctorate in religious education. He also served on the seminary's faculty for over 20 years, including posts as academic dean and administrative dean.

In 1986, he joined American Legion Post 320 in Spotsylvania. He served as post chaplain for 25 years and as Department Chaplain for the State of Virginia for 19 years. For many years, he also served as the Virginia State Chaplain for the Chapel of Four Chaplains. In 2001, David was elected National Chaplain for the American Legion, serving as a spiritual adviser to Legionnaires across the country.

David was named pastor emeritus of Cornerstone Baptist in December 2003, the same month his loving wife Hazel was called home to the Lord after a long illness.

A family friend and former congregant, Doris Heinbuch, was also recently widowed at the time. Sharing a similar experience of loss, the pair found solace and love in each other's company and eventually married.

They joined Travelers Rest Baptist Church, located not far from their Spotsylvania home. Doris accompanied David on his travels throughout Virginia and supported him as he conducted his Chaplaincy and other ministerial duties.

"I have found that in my labors to do God's work, they are usually improved when there is a wise woman's added input. I have been blessed that God brought two such women into my life," wrote David in 2016.

He continued, "I am grateful to God for blessing me so much in my life. … Remember that with God, all things are possible. We are never too old or ill to serve, or to receive the grace, mercy and blessings of our Lord."

The family will receive friends Monday, Nov. 4, from noon to 1 p.m. at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, 10127 Plank Road, Spotsylvania. A memorial service will be held from 1-2 p.m. Burial will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Chris Caricofe, Kevin Caricofe, Dustin Rinehart, Alex Russell, Brendan Russell, Graham Russell and Michael Russell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toward a scholarship that will assist students pursuing a theological education. Checks should be made to the Lawrence A. Davies Foundation Inc., with a subject line containing "David F. Russell Memorial Scholarship." Mail checks to the foundation at 17124 Perinchief St., Ruther Glen, VA 22546-5810.