Russell J. Hill graduated from Auburn University (then Alabama Polytechnic Institute) and served two years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Shannon, DM-25. He later retired from Republic Steel. He was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest recognition given by the Lions Club. As a member of the North Alabama Woodturners Association, he was an accomplished wood craftsman, creating beautiful pieces on his lathe and later through intricate wood burning projects.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beverly Baker Hill; sons, Douglas Hill (Lisa) and Marc Hill (Jennifer); and daughters, Cynthia Puricelli and Melissa Brister. His grandchildren are Dana Gibson (Jeremy), Stephen Brister, Daniel Brister, and Rachel Puricelli. Great-grandchildren include Connor Gibson, Alexander Gibson, Michael Gibson, and Josephine Olmsted.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Mary Hill, and his sister, Helen Rains.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rainbow Presbyterian Church, PCA, 3220 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, AL 35907.

Russell was a former member of East Gadsden United Methodist Church, where he taught men's Sunday School and served as a leader in the youth department. He was also a past deacon at Rainbow Presbyterian Church, PCA.

A graveside-only service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 3177 Asbury Road, Albertville, AL 35951.