Forever with the Lord. Brian A. Russell, 88, of Glen Allen, formerly of Mathews County, departed this life on Saturday, January 21, 2023. He is now beholding, with perfect sight, the face of his blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he loved and served faithfully all his adult life. He is survived by his loving wife and tireless helper for 64 years, Muriel, and his three much-loved children, Renelle, Hayden and Melanie Russell, all of Richmond, Virginia. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psa. 116:15).

Brian Russell ministered for 43 years as a pastor in six Baptist churches: three in South Africa, one in Zimbabwe and two in Virginia, U.S.A. In 2000, he was approached by two publishers in England to submit manuscripts on the subjects of Baptism and Stewardship. This opened the door for seven more books to follow upon retirement in 2005. Many hundreds of copies of each have been freely distributed to pastors and seminary students in the Third World, a cause very dear to him and Muriel. At the time of his death, he was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Richmond.
Burial will be private, but an online memorial service will be held in the near future.

If desired, donations in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23230, earmarked “Lottie Moon offering.”

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”