Joseph R. "Russ" Carnathan

1970 - 2026

Joseph Russell "Russ" Carnathan, age 55, passed away on February 23, 2026. He was born on October 26, 1970, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Howard and Anne Carnathan. Russ spent his formative years in Prattville, Alabama and Mooreville, MS. Russ lived a life of love for the Lord, his family and his church family. He carried the lessons of his upbringing into being a man of service who was willing to help anybody with anything. A man of many talents and interest, Russ found joy in his garden and yard and was known for his expertise with his smoker. His spiritual gift of serving his church family by smoking anything from bologna to chickens to pulled pork was one of his greatest joys. His culinary skills brought people together and created cherished memories for those fortunate enough to share a meal with him and Sandy. As an avid supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Russ's enthusiasm for his favorite team did not leave you in doubt who he was pulling for. Faith played a central role in Russ's life. He was an active member of The Bridge at Burnsville church in Burnsville, MS. His commitment to serving others was evident is his faithful involvement with his church's Celebrate Recovery group that met on Tuesday evenings. Russ's dedication to this ministry reflected his compassionate heart and desire to make a positive impact on those around him. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew and a cousin. Russ is survived by his loving wife, Sandy, daughters Ashley Montgomery (Tyler) of Baldwyn, MS, MacKenzie Carnathan of Ashville, NC, Ashley Buse (Eric) of Booneville, MS and son, Ryan Borders of Cincinnati, OH. Grandchildren, Kaid, Kylen, Kash, Chole, Penelope, Ameila and Elaina. He was Elaina's extremely loved "PP", his loving mother, Anne Carnathan of Guntown, MS, his siblings, Mark Carnathan of Guntown, MS, Lisa Thomas (Tom) of Inverness FL, Marianne Dody, of Mantachie, MS. Six nephews, one niece and several aunts, uncles and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Howard Carnathan and his grandparents, Gurney and Maureen Morgan and Russell and Elsie Carnathan. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2 pm, at The Bridge at Burnsville. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Celebrate Recovery, The Bridge at Burnsville, 98 US-72 East, Glen, MS 38846.