Vonda Virgil Russell, 91, Vina, Ala., went home to be with his Lord on Dec. 14, 2004. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Vonda was born Dec. 8, 1913, to John Ed and Beadie Russell, in Mississippi. He married the love of his life, Lillian Overton, on July 1, 1934. They raised two sons, Virgil and L.V., in the Vina area, then moved to Illinois. He remained in Illinois until his retirement from Goltra Foundries in 1975, then they returned to Vina. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was truly the best grandfather ever and will be missed by all who knew him. He was a member of Pilot Hill Missionary Baptist Church. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, at Deaton Funeral Home chapel, Red Bay, with Brother Steve Ledbetter officiating. Burial will be in Pilot Hill Cemetery, Vina. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, is directing. Survivors include his son, L.V. Russell, Vina; his granddaughters, Debbie Aldridge and husband, Joel, Vina, and Cindy Friend and husband, Randy, Wadsworth, Ill.; five great-grandchildren, Joel Bruce Aldridge, Duell Russell Aldridge, Daryl Ray Aldridge, Danielle Kathryn Friend and Eric Lawson Friend; one great-great-granddaughter, Addyson Nicole Humphrey; and three of his five siblings, Cleater Ables, Lurlie Mink and Velmer Sprague. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Lillian Overton Russell; his son, Virgil Vonda Russell; his daughter-in-law, Carolyn West Russell; and his great-granddaughter, Stacie Marie Aldridge. Pallbearers include Joel D. Aldridge, Joel B. Aldridge, Daryl Aldridge, Randy Friend and Pug Orrick. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, and until the service Thursday at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay.