Russell Rives

Russell Dwight Rives, 73 of Clarksville passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.  Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Sykes Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Ted Denny officiating.  The family will welcome visitors from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Russell was born October 4, 1942 in Clarksville, TN son of the late R.B. Rives and the late Ina Gaither Rives. He was the former owner of Russell’s/ Beech Street Auto Salvage and took great pride in his business, along with the many relationships he cultivated thru his years at "the lot". He was a member of First Baptist Church (former member at New Providence Baptist church) and always loved his church family dearly. He enjoyed spending time with his family and celebrating life to the FULLEST...always with a smile on his face. He always loved fishing,playing softball, working (of course) and spending time with friends at the YMCA. Russell also volunteered at the Smith-Trahern Mansion. He took great pride in sharing stories and history about the mansion because he was indeed the last resident to own and live in the home.

One of his GREATEST accomplishments is that he held the title for being Tennessee’s 2nd Longest Living Heart Transplant Patient –22 years and 5 months!! He was also a kidney transplant survivor-8 years!

Russell touched many lives and left a legacy that will be carried on by his daughters;  Brooksie (Gerald) Lindsey and Missy Rives.  He is also survived by grandchildren;  Brittney Mann, Chad Lindsey and Saxton Dearmin;  his brother Dudley (Kathy) Rives, and sisters;  Peggy (Sidney) Herald and Debbie Rayburn.  Russell taught us many valuable life lessons during his 73 years on earth. He was his own living walking and talking testimony. Some of our favorite sayings/quotes he repeated numerous times were...“Being positive is the only way to be..no other way to be”, "walk a mile around trouble"and  “keep your eye on the sky”

WE LOVE YOU!!