Barbecue benefit today supports Russell Family
Published 10:27 am Friday, March 24, 2017
- At the City Hall presentation ceremony following K-9 Officer Azzy’s safe return were (from left) Officer Greg Jones, BPD Chief Jimmy McCloud, Carmen Carwile, George Dickson and Mayor Jerry Autrey. However, when Azzy was out-of-town and unavailable to help track burglars the next day, Panola County Deputy Sheriff Britton Crawfors brought his dog, Kantor, to lead them to the stolen property and suspects. (Story below). —The Panolian photos by John Howell
Barbecue benefit today supports Russell Family
Russell
Co-workers at Wade Inc. and friends of Ed Russell are raising money with a barbecue lunch and benefit today to help him and his family through difficulties brought on by Mr. Russell’s serious health challenges.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Batesville Lions Club barbecue sandwich plates will be sold. In addition, there will be drawings for prizes donated by local businesses.
Heart and other health problems have sidelined Mr. Russell for months.
Last fall he was in the hospital awaiting surgery on a foot when he suffered a heart attack.
“It was a miracle, the nurse happened to be in the room talking with him and he flatlined and she began CPR,” said Derrick Simmons, Russell’s pastor at Liberty Hill Baptist Church. Simmons is helping to organize today’s benefit.
Doctors found blockage around Mr. Russell’s heart and he awaits further test results to see if heart surgery is a possibility.
Mr. Russell was only able to work a few months the entire year of 2016. He and his wife, Heather Russell, and his three children are in need of assistance with multiple medical expenses and other general expenses from being out of work, Simmons said.
Josh Hawkins is preparing the barbecue today. Tickets for the BBQ plates are $7. Delivery is available for multiple orders to businesses.
Tickets for the drawings are $2. Prizes include a Marlin .22 bolt action rifle, donated by Oxford Pawn Shop; a 50 quart K2 cooler, donated by Flint’s Hardware; a line trimmer, donated by Wade Inc.; and numerous gift certificates from Buffy’s on the Square.
An account has been set up at Renasant Bank for donations for Mr. Russell.
“This is a community effort,” said Simmons.
