Russell Thomas Anderson, age 91, was called Home by his Savior and Lord on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. Brother Anderson was born May 16, 1931, at home in Hunter, Floyd County, Kentucky, son of the late Ralph L Anderson, Sr. and Clovia Audrey Allen Anderson. Russell is survived by daughters Tomi Sue Anderson, Kelly (Bob) Vacendak and Lisa Anderson; sister Judy (Bill) Stinedurf, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Preceding Russell in death were his wife Maxine, parents Ralph and Clovia Anderson; brother Ralph L. (Thelma) Anderson, Jr., sister Helen Ruth Salisbury, brother Robert Charles Anderson and brother John Lawrence Anderson.

As a youth, Russell learned a work ethic that was a blueprint for the rest of his life. He plowed behind a mule and worked in the corn fields and in the sawmill. He trapped muskrats and minks and sold the pelts. During high school, he worked part-time in the coal mine and a sawmill. After graduating, he worked full-time in the mine and became the number one coal loader.

In 1955, he moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan working several jobs, then began to work taping drywall. Within two years, he began his own drywall business, which eventually grew to seven corporations, and involved constructing, managing, and renting 430 apartments and 50 houses. Russell met and married Maxine Ramsey in 1958.

Russell's eternity was changed and his life transformed on September 13, 1959, when he trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was baptized, and became a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, serving under Pastor Donald Curry, whom he loved. Within weeks of his salvation, Russell heard several great men of God preach—John R. Rice, Jack Hyles, and Tom Malone. He remarked, "This is my crowd."

As Russell grew spiritually, he gave himself, his businesses, and hundreds of millions of dollars to the Lord's work, particularly to foreign missions. Pastor Rick Martin in the Philippines and Pastor Kevin Wynne in Mexico City were two of his favorites, and he was blessed that over twenty-five million souls have been saved from hell because of his wise investment of the money God entrusted to him. Russell and Jack Hyles co-founded Hyles Anderson College in Crown Point, Indiana, in 1972. In 1999, he and Pastor Jeff Fugate started Commonwealth Baptist College in Lexington, Kentucky, with the vision of training the next generation of Christian servants to rise up and do a work for the Lord.

There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 5:7). Can you imagine the rejoicing that has taken place due to "ONE UNEDUCATED COAL MINER?" Ten colleges and over three thousand churches have been started, over twenty-five million saved around the world, and hundreds of millions of dollars given to further the gospel of Jesus Christ. Few other men of God have dedicated so many resources to building the Kingdom of God. Only heaven will reveal all that Russ has done for the cause of Jesus.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Friday, May 5, 2023 at Metro Baptist Church with visitation beginning at 10 am ( 47100 N. Interstate 94 Service Drive, Belleville). Pastor Dr. John L. Vaprezsan will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church 5-8 pm Thursday, May 4, 2023. Russell will be laid to rest in Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Canton Township.