Joe Donovan Russell, age 74, of Epworth, Ga., died Friday, October 21, 2011, at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Russell was employed by Shaw Industries and attended Damascus Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Rose (Beach) Russell of the home; six daughters, Sandy Nuzzo of Jasper, Ga., Donna Hyatt of Jasper, Ga., Joy Garren of Blue Ridge, Ga., Brenda Gail Worley of Ball Ground, Ga., Lisa Shields and Debbie Plush both of Epworth, Ga.; three sons, Joseph David Russell of Epworth, Ga., Glenn Curtis of Chatsworth, Ga., and Tim Curtis of Blue Ridge, Ga.; three sisters, Carolyn Dillard of Orlando, Fla., Margaret Harper of Canton, Ga., and Loretta Ash of Epworth, Ga.; one brother, Danny Russell of Epworth, Ga.; a special grandchild, Daniel Shields; twenty three grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements are being handled by AKINS FUNERAL HOME, of Blue Ridge, Ga., where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, October 23, 2011.

Funeral service will be at Akins Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 24, 2011, with Rev. Danny Collis and Rev. Delmar Davenport officiating. Music will be by Randy Beach. Pallbearers will be Daniel Shields, Jordan Garren, Wesley Osborn, Brandon and Andrew Plush, David Lewis, Avery Hice, and Patrick Curtis. Interment will be at Damascus Church Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.