Russell Chatman

?I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.? II Timothy 4:7

Russell Chatman, 83, of Fall Branch, passed away Saturday September 15, 2007.

He was born and resided most of his life in Washington County, TN. Russell graduated from Fall Branch High School. He loved his family and church. He served First Baptist Church of Fall Branch for over 50 years as a teacher, deacon, member of the choir, chairman of the cemetery committee, and loved working with the church youth.

Russell enjoyed farming all his life. He served in the U.S. Third Army in World War II under the command of General George Patton and was awarded the Purple Heart Commendation and the Bronze Battle Star for his service. Mr. Chatman retired after 35 years service from Holston Defense Corporation.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maude Whaley Chatman; parents, Nannie and James Chatman; five brothers; and four sisters.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth Willis Chatman; three sons and their wives, Larry and Beverly Chatman, Rex and Janet Chatman, and Jerry and Rosie Chatman; six grandsons, Travis and wife, Noemi, Rex and wife, Trish, James, Adam, Briddger, and Dakota; one granddaughter, Toni Chatman; one great-granddaughter, Susanna; one great-grandson, Joseph; brother, Robert Chatman, Sr.; five sister-in-laws, Patsy, Margaret, Helen, Jane, and Ruby; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Fall Branch or anytime at his residence. Services will be at 8:00 p.m. with Rev. Carl Strickler and Rev. Victor Wallace officiating.

Military graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in the cemetery at First Baptist Church Fall Branch by the American Legion Post No. 3/265. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m.

Grandchildren will serve as his pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons and his Sunday school class members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in honor of Russell to the First Baptist Church Fall Branch, Cemetery Fund, 1525 Highway 93, Fall Branch, TN 37656 or to the Fall Branch Fire Department, P. O. Box 86, Fall Branch, TN 37656.