Russell Lee Lemaster, age 83, of Paintsville, Kentucky, died Thursday, January 29, 2026.   Russell was born January 15, 1943, in Johnson County, Kentucky, to the late Walter Lee Lemaster and Emma Lucille Lemaster Crislip.

His parents and stepfather, Cassidy Jonathan Crislip, and one sister, Nellie Jane Crislip Grim, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Joyce Carol George Lemaster, 3 daughters: Kimberly Dawn Lemaster of Davis, California, Valerie Martino (and husband James) of Lake Forest, California, Emily Hardwick (and husband Thomas) of Lexington, Kentucky, and one son, Tyler Lemaster (and wife Nicole) of Shenandoah, Texas.  Also surviving are one sister, Marlene Salyer (and husband Harold), and one brother-in-law, Garry Grim.

Russell is survived by 10 grandchildren: Amber Goodman, Courtney Ettel, Whitney Carter; Alea, Gianna, and James Martino; Lola and Chloe Hardwick; Avery and Emerson Lemaster, along with 12 great-grandchildren.

Russell graduated from Flat Gap High School in 1962, then joined the United States Army in June 1962, where he served until June 1965.

Russell worked in the financial industry with Citizens National Bank for 23 years and later retired from American General Finance Company in 2005 after 13 years.

He was saved on December 31, 1979, and baptized January 6,1980.  He remained a devoted and faithful member of the Tom's Creek Freewill Baptist Church for over 40 years.  Russell served as a Sunday School teacher, Assistant Director of Sunday School, Assistant CTS Director, and was also an usher for the church.

Russell was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. His sense of humor, love of family, compassionate demeanor, and dedication to Christ will never be replaced in our hearts in this life.   We do take comfort in knowing that we will be united with him again one day to spend eternity together.

Visitation will be from 4:00PM to 7:00PM Friday, January 30, 2026 at Jones Preston Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Jones Preston Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 12 Noon until time of funeral services at 1:00 PM.   Burial will follow at the Daniels-George Cemetery at River.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tom's Creek Free Will Baptist church bus/ building fund by contacting the Jones-Preston Funeral Home at 606-789-3501.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Preston Funeral home.

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with all final arrangements for Mr. Russell Lee Lemaster.