The Russell family has been a part of my life since I can remember. Though Trey has departed, the memories he has left me fill a lifetime.
Emmett Russell, III
June 3, 1939 ~ May 7, 2025
Born in:
Nashville, Tennessee
Resided in:
Nashville, Tennessee
Emmett Russell, III of Nashville, died on May 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Nashville on June 3, 1939, he attended Woodmont School and later Battle Ground Academy. Upon graduating from Vanderbilt University on an NROTC scholarship, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the President’s flagship, the U.S.S. Northampton, before earning his law degree from Nashville School of Law. He worked for thirty-one years at First American Bank as a Vice President in the trust department and subsequently founded Cumberland Trust Company.
A faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, he served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, and he participated in mission trips to Russia and Mexico.
It was love at first sight when he met Nan Norman: he actually proposed on the first date! Married fifty-eight years, Nan and Emmett raised three children, loved their six grandchildren and served as mentors to countless other couples and young people.
“Trey”, as he was known to his friends, was a prodigious reader who simply loved to learn. An avid traveler, he and Nan traveled on memorable trips to Switzerland, Russia, England, Alaska, Canada, and Scotland. What he loved the most was finding his spot in the stands to watch his children and later his grandchildren run, jump, swim and compete in one event or another. Most of all he was a committed friend who wrote, texted, and called those he loved until his last day.
Trey is preceded in death by his parents, Emmet Russell, Jr. and Lutie Price Russell. He is survived by his sister Lane Newsom Nichol and lovingly remembered by his wife Nan Norman of Chattanooga and his children Emmett Russell, IV (Gina), Mary Price Maddox, and Paul Carter Russell (Lauren). His grandchildren Jack, Sabrina, Hawkins, Ruby Mae, Paul Carter, and Ellie will cherish the memory of their Baba.
The family would like to thank Insa Dabo for his compassionate care and friendship in these last years.
Visitation will be at First Presbyterian Church’s Courtenay Hall on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. A service will follow at 2:30 P.M. in the sanctuary. The church is located at 4815 Franklin Road. In lieu of flowers, donations in Trey’s memory may be made to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203 or Vantage Point: Veterans Moving Forward, PO Box 31224, Charleston, SC 29417.
Arrangements are in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, TN 37209. (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be locally owned and operated.
Services
Visitation: May 17, 2025 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Room: Courtenay Hall
First Presbyterian Church
4815 Franklin Pike
Nashville, TN 37220
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2025-05-17 13:30:00
2025-05-17 02:30:00
EmmettRussell, IIIVisitation
Visitation
4815 Franklin Pike,Nashville, TN 37220
Memorial Service: May 17, 2025 2:30 pm
Room: Sanctuary
First Presbyterian Church
4815 Franklin Pike
Nashville, TN 37220
Add to My Calendar
America/Chicago
2025-05-17 14:30:00
2025-05-17 14:30:00
EmmettRussell, IIIMemorial Service
Memorial Service
4815 Franklin Pike,Nashville, TN 37220
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