Dr. Joseph J. "Joe" Russell
February 9, 1940 — February 21, 2022
Dr. Joseph J. Russell, Ph.D. 82 of Columbus, Georgia died Monday, February 21, 2022 at Columbus Hospice House.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, February 25, 2022 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church 2100 Hilton Ave. Columbus, Georgia 31906 with Rev. Grace Burton- Edwards officiating. Interment will be held in Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the services at the church.
Joe was born February 9, 1940 to Joe Frank Russell (deceased) and Evelyn Tillery Russell (deceased) in Columbus, Georgia. He was also predeceased by his younger brother, James C. Russell. He attended Wynnton Elementary School and Columbus High School as well as Georgia State University and Auburn University. He married Elizabeth "Libba" Hunter Russell, also from Columbus.
He received several degrees from Auburn University, culminating in a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. He practiced at The Columbus Clinic and in private practice. His special interest was alcohol and drug treatment and he worked with several A and D programs in this area. He retired in 2018.
Even before retirement, Joe and Libba travelled to many places and made friends all over the world. His favorite place was The Cotswold area in England, and they spent time there every year with friends until the pandemic.
Joe is survived by his wife, Libba, as well as his nephew, James C. Russell III, and his niece, Laura Russell Jones, several great nephews and great niece. He was close to his cousins, Libba's family and had many dear friends that he considered as family.
Donations in memory of Joe may be sent to: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2100 Hilton Avenue, Columbus, GA 31906
or PAWS Humane Society, 4900 Milgen Road, Columbus, GA 31907.
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