Russell Albert McNalty, 87 of McLeansboro, IL, went home to be with his Lord, on January 30, 2019. He was born to Thomas and Emma (Elford) McNalty in Meaford, Ontario, on December 10, 1931, the youngest of nine children. He became a US citizen and served in the US Army. He earned Masters Degrees in Biology, Education and Bible; as well as, a B.S. in Biblical Languages from Harding University and Arkansas State University. He taught chemistry and physics at McLeansboro H.S. and sponsored the “Youth for Christ Club”. He served as Minister of the Church of Christ in McLeansboro several years. He taught at
York College, York, NB, Crowley’s Ridge College, Paragould, AR, Des-Arc High School in Des-Arc, AR, Carlyle High School in Carlyle, AR., Harding Academy in Searcy, AR as well as Fairfield High School, Fairfield, IL.
On February 10, 1955 he married the love of his life and best friend, Sherry Hunter. For 63 years, they joyously built a life with their four children. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his sisters, Edna Preston and Ada Binkley, his daughters, Kathy (Alan) Teffertiller, Christi (Gary) Curfman and Paula (Bernard) McNalty; grandchildren, Kara (Matthew) Harrison, Katlyn Teffertiller, Terry & Derek Olson, Ashley, Cordell & Danielle Kotalik; great-grandchildren Ellie, Audra, Joseph Russell, Kianna, Aubrey, Paislee, Vance, Coralynn, Lex, Cadence, Corbin and Easton; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, three sisters, and a son, James Russell (Jim) McNalty.
Russell lived a life of service, teaching, preaching, and providing a home for more than 80 foster children over the years. He will be remembered for his embodiment of the fruits of the spirit, his gift of music, his gentle demeanor, his sense of humor, his love for his family, his love for the Lord.
Visitation for Russell McNalty will be held on Friday (2-1) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday (2-2) at the funeral home. Burial will be at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in McLeansboro, with graveside military rites provided by American Legion Post 106 of McLeansboro and the Military Honor Team of Marion. Reverend Roger Turner will officiate the services.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Gospel Chariot Missions, P.O.Box 51, Benton, AR 72015; World English Institute, Metro Church of Christ, 1525 NW Division St., Gresham, OR 97030; or Little Egypt Christian Youth Camp, % David & Melissa Goin, PO Box217, Dahlgren, IL 62828.
Harre Funeral Home of McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements.