Rev. Russell Clausell Sr was born in Monroeville, Alabama to the late Mort Jr and Nancy Clausell.

He is a graduate of Monroe County High School, Monroeville, Ala., and the Baptist College of Florida, with a degree in Biblical studies.

After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army, where he served faithfully and retired honorably.

Since his retirement, he has worked in both retail management and as a social worker. He is the founder and president of the Special Opportunity Services (SOS) Outreach Ministry.

He is an ordained Elder with the Archdiocese United Christian Fellowship International Ministry, where he serves as the international mission director.

Before accepting his current position as the assistant pastor of Saint Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, Geneva Al., he served as the pastor of Geneva Christian Fellowship Church, Geneva, Al., and as the church administrative pastor at the United Christian Fellowship Dothan, Dothan, Ala.

He has served on several organizations throughout the state of Alabama, including the Board of Directors for the Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless (ARCH); board member of Operation Sharing Hope; president of the Southeast Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (SEACH); vice president of the Houston County Job Taskforce; Dothan Ecumenical Council; Dothan Ministerial Alliance; Board of Directors for Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity; Vice President of the Greater Geneva Chamber of Commerce; chaplain at Southeast Alabama Medical Center; President of Geneva Ministerial Association; Alabama Community of Excellence(ACE) Committee for Geneva, Al.; District 3 Director for the Alabama Association of School Boards(AASB);

He currently serves as: President for the Alabama Association of School Boards(AASB); the president of Geneva City School Board; chairman of the Geneva County United Way; chaplain for the Wiregrass Hospital; Geneva City Planning Commission; Chaplain of the Geneva Police Department, Geneva Rotary Club, and Advisory Board for Bankplus.

He is married to the lovely Valerie Lynn Russell-Clausell, He is the father of 2 children, Kimberly, and Russell Jr. He is the proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren.

Rev. Clausell believes wholeheartedly in Matthew 6:33, and one of his favorite phrases is“It Takes A Village.”