Dr. Carl Reed Russell

Dr. Carl Reed Russell, lovingly known as “Doc,” passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the home of his daughter in Nicholasville, Kentucky after a short illness. He was 94 years old.

Born on August 11, 1930, in Royal Oak, Michigan, Carl was the son of the late Carl Reed Russell, Sr., and Margret King Russell. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Carol Hamilton Russell, and his brother, John Connery.

Carl attended University of Kentucky High School and the University of Kentucky before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force as a veteran of the Korean War. Following his military service, he attended Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1961. That same year, he began his lifelong career as a veterinarian in Nicholasville, Kentucky, faithfully caring for the community’s animals and serving their families. Dr. Russell practiced veterinary medicine for over 62 years, continuing until the passing of his wife in January 2024.

Outside of his work, Carl loved spending time on the golf course, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. But more than anything, his greatest joy and true passion in life was his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He was a devout Christian and a member of Bethel Christian Church in Nicholasville. Known for his wisdom, kindness, and dedication, “Doc” touched countless lives with his compassion, his gentle humor, and his steadfast love for those around him.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan Russell (William Scott) Harkins, and two sons, Carl Reed (Talaria) Russell III and John Kenneth (Tina B.) Russell; ten grandchildren, Will Harkins, Hillary (Jordan) Stapleton, Lindsey (Glendon) Lay, Nickolas Russell, Natalie (Stephen) Fuller, Justin Russell, Charlotte Russell, Nicole Russell, Brian (Crystal) Russell, and Jesse Russell; and sixteen great-grandchildren, Grayson Stapleton, Kylee Clay Stapleton, Hudson Lay, Everly Lay, Ellie Kathryn Lay, Kaiden Fuller, Elaina Fuller, Bennett Russell, Macy Jane Russell, Layla Russell, Chloe Russell, Taylor Russell, Lucas Russell, Craig Russell, Carley Russell, and Caleb Russell. One Great-Great-Great Grandchild, Mikayla Russell.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. (family at 4:00 p.m.) at Betts & West Funeral Home, 404 N. Main Street, Nicholasville, Kentucky. Funeral services will also take place at Betts & West Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, where military honors will be observed.

Pallbearers will be Pete Myers, Bill Green, David Grose, Will Harkins, Jordan Stapleton, and Nickolas Russell.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Elders and Deacons of Bethel Christian Church and William Harkins.

After a lifetime of love and devotion, Carl is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Carol.