Russell Luke, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died peacefully on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in his home surrounded by family and loved ones by his side. His funeral will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Brookfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Davis officiating. Graveside services will be held at Tift Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
The deacons of Brookfield Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers.
Born September 16, 1936, in Enigma, Mr. Luke was the son of the late Daniel Lucious Luke and Ola Barnes Luke. He was also preceded in death by one brother and his wife, Elbert and Annette Nichols; one sister, Florence Luke Myers; and a sister-in-law and her husband, Katie and Robert Ramsey.
Russell graduated from Enigma High School, the last class to graduate from Enigma in 1954. He was born and raised on the family farm where he lived all his life. He helped his father and continued farming himself until his retirement. He drove a school bus for Berrien County schools and worked as a crop adjuster for RCIS Insurance Corporation for 19 years, retiring in 2007. He was a faithful member of Brookfield Baptist Church for 58 years and a deacon for 56 years. He served on all committees of the church throughout these years.
Russell is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 65 years, Mable Tucker Luke of Enigma; one daughter and son-in-law, Jeannie and Ricky Tucker of Enigma; one grandson and his wife, Clay and Denise Tucker of Enigma; one granddaughter and her husband, Jill and Joe Joiner of Adel; five great-grandchildren, Russ and Reid Tucker of Enigma and Leah, Brooke and Luke Joiner of Adel; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Judy and Larry Weaver of Vanceville and Jo Ann and Jimmy Anderson of Macon; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
The family is forever grateful for the people of Hospice of Tift Area who gave their all for our family. We thank you, Zoe, Trina, Crystal, Patricia, Angela, Vicki and Dr. Graham and his staff.