Russell D. Shuffield, Sr., age 87 of Malvern, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. He was born in the Bismarck Community on September 25, 1923 to the late W. T. "Billy" and Hattie Ashley Shuffield. Russell retired from the Malvern National Bank in April, 1984, after 31 years of service. He entered the gospel ministry in 1963 and spent 43 years pastoring churches in Hot Spring and surrounding counties, Little Rock , and Oklahoma . He was active in community work during his lifetime: He was a former member of the Malvern Jaycees, Malvern Civitan Club, the 4-H Club and others. He served as chaplain for the Arkansas State Singing Convention for 24 years. He also wrote gospel songs for five music publishers.

Russell was also preceded in death by his wife, Rosie, two sons, Russell Dayton Shuffield, Jr., and Tommy Quenton Shuffield; four brothers, Connie L, Gilford R. Fred N. and Roy O. Shuffield; three half-brothers, Edgar, Arthur, and Harvey; and one half-sister, Addie Bennett.

He is survived by a daughter, Patricia (Pat) McCoy and her husband Jack, of Malvern; two grandchildren, Jacklin McCoy and Joe McCoy II, and his wife, Julie; three great-grandchildren, Darby Hepner, Joe McCoy III, and Avery McCoy; one brother, James and his wife Katherine of Bryant; a number of nephews and nieces, and a host of friends.

His funeral will be at two o'clock Saturday afternoon, August 27, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church with Brother Gary Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.

A visitation will precede the service on Saturday, beginning at one o'clock at the church.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.