Joseph "Joe" Leonard Russell, 83, of Mechanicsville, MD died on December 11, 2015 at MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. He was born on August 23, 1932 in Clements, MD to the late Edward James Russell and Mary Emily Vallandingham Russell.

Joe was born and raised on a farm in Clements, MD. He appreciated the hard work involved in caring for a farm and made sure his sons learned the same appreciation by teaching them how to harvest tobacco when they were youngsters.

On November 9, 1957, he married the love of his life, his beloved wife, Dolores Sinkovich Russell in Minersville, Pennsylvania. Together, they celebrated over 58 wonderful years of marriage. Their love was like no other and an inspiration to their children and grandchildren.

He was employed by the Coca-a-Cola Company as a plant foreman until his retirement.

Every year, he grew a beautiful flower garden with a variety of flowers for his wife as well as a vegetable garden in which he always shared his produce with family, neighbors, and friends. Joe was known as "the man with the beautiful garden." His other hobbies included cheering on the Washington Redskins, fishing, eating fresh seafood, and spending time outdoors. However, his greatest love was for his family for whom he loved to spend his time with. They will miss him immensely. He was also an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

In addition to his beloved wife, Joe is also survived by his children, Christine M. Russell (Charles) of Mechanicsville, MD, Scott A. Russell (Rebecca) of Hollywood, MD, Kent D. Russell (Kara) of Harrisburg, PA, Cheryl L. Chase (Robert) of Richmond, VA, and Cathy Jo Russell of Richmond, VA; his sister, Mary Margaret Wooten of Bowie, MD; daughter-in-law, Holly Russell of Bristow, VA; eight grandchildren, Crystal Murphy, Patrick Russell, Kara Russell, Laurel Hamilton, Andrew Russell, Rachel Russell, Luke Russell, and Lance Russell; and his great-grandson, Noah Murphy. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his son, Dennis K. Russell; and his siblings, Catherine Church, James E. Russell, Jr., Anne Williams, Martha Beavers, Lloyd Russell, John A. Russell, and Patricia Powell.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with prayers recited at 7:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Keith Woods on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 29119 Point Lookout Road, Morganza, MD 20660. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Charles Russell, Scott Russell, Kent Russell, Rob Chase, Patrick Russell, and Andrew Russell. Honorary pallbearers will be Crystal Murphy, Kara Russell, Laurel Hamilton, Rachel Russell, Luke Russell, and Lance Russell. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o St. Aloysius Catholic Church, P.O. Box 310, Leonardtown, MD 20650 and St. Joseph's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 175, Morganza, MD 20660. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.