Beloved Dentist, Dr. Harold Russell Dies

Dr. Harold L. Russell, a retired dentist, died Sunday, November 11 after a long illness.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Brummitt-McKenzie Funeral Home, and Thursday 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of McKenzie. A Masonic Service is Thursday, 1:30 p.m. at the church. Internment is at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McKenzie.
He was born November 23, 1932 in McKenzie, Tenn. to C.W. and Mary Freeman Russell.
Dr. Russell attended McKenzie school system, where he graduated in 1950. He spent six years serving in the Tennessee National Guard. Harold attended the University of Tennessee at Martin for two years before enrolling with University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, graduating in 1956. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, a Mason, selected Carroll County 2012 Business Person of the Year, a member of the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association and a member of the 7th District Dental Society, he also served in the Tennessee National Guard. He was selected as the 2012 Reader’s Choice as the best dentist in the 2012 contest conducted by The McKenzie Banner. He was also the grand marshal at the 2012 McKenzie Christmas Parade.
Dr. Russell returned to his hometown to open his dental practice. Former banker, “Doc” Bell directed him to Dr. Howard Smith, who practiced in a building on Lee Street. Dr. Smith extended an invitation to Dr. Russell to join him in practice. This started a partnership and friendship that spanned decades. The two doctors operated from a single office building on Main Street for many years. Now, Dr. Russell’s grandson, Travis is a practicing dentist in that same location and Dr. Tom Smith and Dr. Mark Smith practice optometry on the side previously occupied by Dr. Howard Smith. Tom is the son and Mark, the grandson of Howard.
When Dr. Travis Russell opened his practice, Suzanne Russell, speaking for Dr. Harold, said he “is so proud of Travis he can’t stand it.” The new clinic still has the photograph of Dr. Harold dental school graduating class on display.
One of the hallmarks of any successful business person is the great employees they surround themselves with. His ability to attract and retain great employees is evident by three employees that worked with him for more than thirty-five years. They included Ann Cozart, 45 years, Lottie Choate, 43 years and Norman Cooper, 35 years. Dr. Russell retired earlier in 2012.
Dr. Russell was the true definition of a country doctor. All his patients are his friends. He was caring, committed and dedicated to his patients and he wanted everyone to be free of pain and have a good smile. These are a few reasons he enjoyed a career that spanned a half-century.