Russell Clement Dafferner

Russell Clement Dafferner (Russ), 70, of Germantown, TN passed to life eternal on March 5, 2026. He was a devoted & loving father, doting grandfather, faithful brother, and compassionate friend.

Russ was born to Josephine & George A. Dafferner on April 23, 1955 in Knoxville, TN. He graduated from Bearden High School and went on to East Tennessee State University. After completing his undergraduate studies, he moved to Memphis to study law at Memphis State University, graduating with his Juris Doctorate in 1981. He practiced for more than a decade before, for the benefit of his family, he left the law and began a 30-year career in logistics, working for FedEx until he retired in 2024.

Russ was a long-time member of Independent Presbyterian Church. His love for Jesus was most clearly seen in how he served those around him, whether family, friends, or colleagues. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing him quickly learned Russ never met a stranger and was genuinely curious about everyone he met. Always with a joyful smile or cheeky grin on his face, he loved nothing more than to swap stories and share laughs with anyone who would chat with him.

It was during law school that Russ was set up on a blind date with his wife, Debbie, whom he lovingly called his bride until the day he died. He loved being "Dad" to Andrew, Emily, and Patrick, and he thrived as "Chief" to his grandkids (and all their friends). He never hesitated to welcome his kids or grandkids and their friends into his house, always providing an endless supply of soda, snacks, and ice cream while they chatted about their days and activities.

Russ was devoted to his family & friends and could often be found championing them in their endeavors or serving them in any way that made their life just a little bit easier. He was their personal handyman, lawn care consultant, chef & baker, and constant source of wisdom, advice, and encouragement. Russ loved deeply and led with kindness and compassion because he knew the steadfast loving kindness of his faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

Russ is survived by his children Andrew (Kim) Dafferner, Emily Dafferner, and Patrick (Craig) Gordon-Dafferner, his grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel, & Sydney Dafferner, and Niklaus, Josephine, & FitzWilliam Gordon-Dafferner, his brother, Alan Dafferner, and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Debbie, his parents, Josephine & George A. Dafferner, his brothers George Dafferner & Clark Dafferner, and his grandson, Henry Carlton Dafferner, whom he no doubt lifted and tossed into the sky when he met him in glory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Independent Presbyterian Church or the IPC Foundation.

Following a private burial, a visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 12:00pm with a service to follow at 2:00pm at Independent Presbyterian Church, 4738 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38117.