Obituary
Obituary for Aaron Leon Russell Jr.
Aaron Leon Russell Jr., 29, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born on January 25, 1995, in Chattanooga. Aaron had a funny, loving, and sweet soul. He was modest, devoted, brave, talented, and goal-oriented. He always acted with kindness and optimism in his leadership. His enthusiasm for life enabled him to follow his lifelong dream and ambition of becoming Russell's School Bus Lines owner and operator. He loved cooking, watching the Georgia Bulldogs play, and watching WWE wrestling. Aaron was cherished by his family, respected their traditions, and enjoyed spending time with them, especially on holidays. He was a follower of Christ and lived according to his beliefs. He was never without light. He was unique and friendly in his approach to business. He set a good example and was always eager to take decisive action to resolve an issue. Aaron was a man of inspiration because of his perseverance and unwavering determination to reach his goal. Everyone who saw him was enamored with this gentle giant. The children Aaron carried, his drivers—whom he loved and respected as a family—contractors, present and past coworkers, and his numerous mentors all thought highly of him. Realizing his dream of driving a bus for Knox County Schools, he ensured everyone knew the plan, and how to get the kids home because they were the most important thing. By offering the kids on his bus route snacks, guidance, and anything else he could, he made the bus feel like a safe haven for them. His rapport with students was evident by Northwest Middle School's award of "Bus Driver of the Year" to him the previous year. Russell and his crew transported more than five hundred students while driving routes for Norwood Middle School, Amherst Elementary School, Pleasant Ridge Elementary School, West High School, and Northwest Middle School. He drove bus #283 and lived out his lifelong dream. He ought to be regarded as a bright example of overcoming obstacles to achieve your goals and follow your dreams. Aaron obtained his Central High School diploma in 2014. He was employed by KFC as a store manager for several years. After relocating to Knoxville, Aaron worked for USPS and attended Pellissippi Community College to study Culinary Arts. He studied and earned his CDL, which allowed him to drive a bus. In 2016, he bought his first bus. His unwavering desire to always set new objectives led him to shadow others and gain knowledge in the busing industry as he worked toward becoming a businessman. Russell School Bus Lines was the company he founded in 2019. Olivet Baptist Church was Aaron Leon Russell, Jr.'s church. Remember Aaron's kindness, his wish for everyone to love one another, and his unwavering support for lending a hand to one another. Aaron was preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Mary Lou Russell; grandmothers, Gertha Russell and Vassie Lester; grandfather, John W. Caslin; and step-grandfather, Napoleon Gaither. Survivors include his daughter, Autumn Smith of Knoxville; his significant other, Angelica Smith of Knoxville; mother, April Caslin; father, Aaron (Kenya) Russell; grandmother, Gloria Gaither; grandfather, Aaron Lester, all of Chattanooga; brothers, Christopher Russell, Sr. of Clarksville, TN, Timothy (Shirley) Russell, and Kehshan Russell, both of Chattanooga; sisters, Tangela Caldwell of Atlanta, GA, Aareon Russell, and Kylia Skillern, both of Chattanooga; uncles, Chris (Angie) Russell, Sr., Timothy (Kristie) Russell, Sr., Reginald Caslin, Fredrick Scott, all of Chattanooga, John Caslin, Jr., Gerald Caslin, Tyrone Cain, and Adrian Goodwin; aunts, Anissa Benning and Lashonda Pittman, both of Chattanooga; nieces, Aaleah Watkins and Sophia LaFleur; nephews, Christopher Russell, Jr. and Jaazel Russell; several cousins, many other relatives, and close friends. Aaron will lie-in-state on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon in the chapel with Pastor Ricky Taylor as the eulogist. Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.