Russell Brackins Obituary

Russell D. Brackins

September 18, 1929 -

October 15, 2025

ERWIN - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Russell David Brackins, a native of Erwin, Tennessee and a distinguished leader whose legacy will forever be etched in the fabric of our community. Born on September 18, 1929, he was the second youngest child of Isaac and Nellie Jane Wilson Brackins. Russell passed away at the age of 96, surrounded by his loving family. He served as a guiding force in local government for over 30 years and, through his leadership, Erwin became a better place to live, work, and raise families.

Russell was a lifelong resident of Erwin and a graduate of Unicoi County High School and East Tennessee State University. He was employed by the Internal Revenue Service as a senior revenue officer and also became a member of the IRS instructor cadre in Atlanta, where he taught new employees and specialized training to senior revenue officers. He retired from the IRS with more than 30 years of combined government service.

Russell had a parallel military career with more than 30 years' service. He served two years active duty in Austria and Germany and 28 years in the active U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College for Senior Army Officers at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. During his military service, he held several command and staff positions, which included 10 years as an instructor in the Army Command and General Staff College. He served as the Tennessee state president of the Reserve Officers' Association and was also a member of the National Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Claude, Warren and an infant brother, Dennis; sisters: Gladys Lewis (Jack), Ollie Campbell (Carl), Carrie Mae Mosely (Robert) and Cindy Brackins Chapman (John).

Russell's unwavering love for his family was central to his life. He was married to his beloved wife, Ginger Reese Brackins, who passed away shortly after Russell, and they are survived by their three sons, daughter, eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Sons: Russell David Brackins II (Stephanie); Jeffrey Willard Brackins (Cindi); Robert Eric Brackins (Lisa); and Daughter Regina Beth Kinney

(Russell). Grandchildren: Russell David Brackins III (Sarah); Tyler Jackson Brackins; Carl Reese Brackins (Leslie); Chelsea Caldwell Brackins; Cayci Makenzie Brackins; Canaan Eric Brackins (Cara Beth); Audra Alisa Woodward (Lucas); Olivia Eden Brackins; Bryan Walter Guilford; Megan Leigh Bullock (Dylan); Benjamin Michael Johnson. Great-Grandchildren: Stella Fae Brackins, Amelia Jane Brackins, Wesley Raine Bullock, Ezra Alexander Woodward, Theodore James Woodward. Russell is survived by sister Sheila Brackins Smith (Wayne) and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation period will be held at Erwin Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Russell's life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Unicoi County Animal Shelter, PO Box 223, Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Russell D. Brackins through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN. 37650. (423)743-9187.