Orell Russell Smart, Jr., 78, of Valley, Al went to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 17, at Columbus Hospice in Columbus, GA.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 24, 2022 from 3:00 until 5:00 pm (est) at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, AL.

Russell loved his life in the Chattahoochee Valley area.  He especially enjoyed the decades he has enjoyed living on the “Backwaters” with Gayle, his wife of 47 years.  A veteran of the Navy, Russell spent his entire career in the telecommunications field working for Southern Bell, BellSouth, AT&T, and finally his own business, Smart Connection, which served the area for nearly 30 years.

Russell is survived by his wife, Gayle, son, Jed (Abby), granddaughters, Waverly and Lola, sisters-in-law, Pat and Betty, and a host of nieces and nephews all of which he loved dearly and was so proud of the people they have become.  Russell was affectionately known as “Grandaddy” by his granddaughters and loved spending time with them.  He also loved all his friends on “the river” and enjoyed Saturdays in the fall watching the Crimson Tide and Sundays throughout the year watching NASCAR under the boathouse.  However, His favorite time was spent enjoying the time he had with his wife, Gayle.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask for donations to Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909.