Ricky Joel Russell born September 16, 1985 departed this life on Saturday May 4, 2024 at the Hazard ARH Hospital being 38-years old. Ricky was born in Hazard, Kentucky the son of the late Ricky Ray Russell and Shelvia Watts Russell. Other than his father, Ricky was also preceded in death by Grandparents, Mandi & Flint Watts, Alma & Happy Russell; special cousin Deidra Watts; aunt, Lucy Riley; uncles, Pearl Watts, Johnny Watts, Flint Watts, Jr., and Kelly Watts. Ricky loved people, gardening and planting flowers, painting and traveling, and spending time with his friends.

Ricky Joel Russell leaves the following relatives to cherish his memory: mother, Shelvia Russell of Hazard; Fiance, Bo Barton; brothers, Joshua Russell of Hazard and Flint Nathan Watts of Morehead; sister, Natasha Clemons of Hazard; uncle, Jack Watts & Mary of Chavies; aunts, Sandy Banks, Aretha Profitt, and Ida Johnson of Hazard; special friend, Ashley Nicole. A host of other relatives and friends survive.

Visitation for Ricky Joel Russell will be conducted on Friday, May 10, 2024 at the Engle-Bowling Funeral Home from 4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.  A Celebration of Life will follow on Friday at 6:00 P.M. at the Engle-Bowling Funeral Home.