Shawn Russell

Shawn O’Brien Russell, age 50, of Middlesboro, KY passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Baptist Health in Corbin, KY after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. He was born May 24, 1969 in Middlesboro, KY to George Russell and Frances Gonzales Russell.
Shawn graduated from Boyd County High School with a 4.0 cumulative GPA. He not only excelled in the classroom, but also on the field, especially the football field which was his true passion (although he was known to also knock the ball out of the baseball field as well). He received scholarships to WestPoint Academy (Army), Annapolis (Navy), Stanford, Princeton, Vanderbilt and Marshall University just to name a few. Shawn worked the majority of his life as a contractor and built some of the most incredible homes and buildings in our area. He was known by those who were close to him as hard working, intelligent, easy going, and dependable. He always had a joke or a funny story that was able to brighten everyone’s day. He always took the time to truly understand his family and friends, and always put them above himself regardless of the situation.
He was a man of incredible strength, both physically and mentally, until the very end. He truly loved life, and even though he isn't with us, he defeated his cancer by fighting it tooth and nail until his last breath. He never questioned "why me?", rather encouraged those he loved to live their lives to the fullest and treat each day like the gift that it is. He leaves behind family and friends who will honor his incredible legacy by doing just that.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Hazel Russell, Aunts Helen West and Thelma Woodward, Uncle Doug West, and Cousin Jamie West.
He is survived by the following members of his family: Children Shawn Russell and Paige Russell, Parents George Russell (Middlesboro KY) and Frances Gonzales Russell (Roseboro NC). Brothers Adam (Heather) Russell, Nick Reynolds. Sisters Dr. Aimee (Jon) Russell Grace, Nicole Russell Lopez, Amora Hazel Russell. Aunt and Uncle Lois (Marvin) Branham. Special Nieces Brinlee, Gracie, and Lexi. Cousins Rick Russell, Lesha Beeler, Lee Branham, Dee Dee Branson, Wayne Woodward, Chris Branham, and Dr. CaraBeth Russell. Very Special Cousin Dale Russell. Coach and Mentor Ed Vanhoose, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
The family would like to thank the staff at Baptist Health Corbin for the excellent and compassionate care he received there from the time of his diagnosis until his last days.
The Family of Shawn Russell will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at the Creech Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday July 29th at the Creech Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tommy Russell and Lance Brooks presiding. Graveside service will follow at Hopper Cemetery in Speedwell, TN.
Register book and online condolences are available at www.creechfh.com
Creech Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements.