Donald Lee Russell Jr

Donald (Donnie) Lee Russell Jr. Was called home by our Lord on October 1st, 2021 in Las Vegas Nevada. He was welcomed home by his parents Mary and Donald Russell. Donnie was born on February 19, 1963 in Martins Ferry, OH. At only 6 weeks old his family moved to Atascadero, CA where he spent the majority of his life with his 3 siblings, Jo Anne, Tina and Ronnie. No matter where Donnie lived, Atascadero was always the place he called home. Donnie went to high school in Atascadero and being the hard worker that he was, he immediately joined the national guard. Donnie spent the next 20 years in active service through the national guard working as a heavy equipment mechanic. He raised three amazing children Jeremy, Nick and Josh alongside his wonderful wife Sonya. Through the years Donnie was blessed with 6 grandchildren Brandon, Logan, Callie, Deegan, Rylynn and Emery Russell. Donnie loved to be a provider for his family and went out of his way to ensure his family was taken care of. He worked hard everyday and wanted to work even after being diagnosed with cancer in the Summer of 2021. Donnie not only worked hard, he played hard too. He was taught at a young age to fix old cars by his father, he loved riding motorcycles, scuba diving and messing around in the garage. Donnie was able to participate in his lifelong dream of working for Nascar at Las Vegas speedway by working in the pits. Donnie also loved the simple things in life including spending time with his wife Sonya who was destined to be his soulmate. Several years before they were married, Donnie met Sonya through a co-worker (her uncle). At the time the stars did not align, but a few years later Donnie ran into Sonya again and the rest was history. They spent 27 wonderful years with each other. Donnie loved to go camping and take long walks. He enjoyed watching the Hallmark channel with his family and was secretly obsessed with QVC. Donnie was a great friend and coworker to many. He was sincere and did not hold back his opinion of ”how it was”. Donnie will be sincerely missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. Funeral services will be held on Sat April 23, 2022 at Willow Creek Cemetery in Templeton, CA. In order to respect his final wishes of being buried in the magnificent springtime in California.