FLOWERY BRANCH – Ken M. Russell, 77, passed away Friday, August 10, 2012 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, following a sudden illness.
He owned a private investigative firm for 18 years, contracting with state and federal agencies for background checks. He was retired as a Special Agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He spent five years as an officer for the United States Navy and five years as a member of Naval Criminal Investigative Service, spending one year in Vietnam. Mr. Russell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the College of Charleston, and a Master of Science in Forensic Science from George Washington University. A native of Charleston, S.C., he moved to the Sterling on the Lake subdivision in Flowery Branch seven years ago. He was a founding member and former vice president of the South Hall Republican Club, and co-founder and volunteer co-manager of the Spout Springs Library Farmers Market.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Eleanor B. Coppedge, Flowery Branch; sons and daughters-in-law, Sean and Jennifer Russell, Sarasota, Fla., Scott and Renee Russell, Martinez, Calif., and Todd and Lori Coppedge, Suwanee; son, Kevin Russell, Charleston, S.C.; brother, Michael Russell, Charleston, S.C.; stepmother, Helena Russell, Charleston, S.C.; and six grandchildren, Grayson, Noah, Lake, Zachary, Will and Collette.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, August 16, from the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with inurnment following at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors, at a later date. Deacon Mike Jones will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Thursday, August 16, at Memorial Park South Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service at Sterling on the Lake Clubhouse.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ronnie Green Heart Center, 743 Spring St., Gainesville, GA 30501.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.
Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
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