Russell Badgett, Jr. 93 of Madisonville, KY died at Regional Medical Center surrounded by his family on March 8th, 2012.

He was born on November 24, 1918 in Wabbaseka, Ark to the late Russell and Mary Rheaetta Badgett, Sr. and attended the First Methodist Church in Madisonville.

He graduated from Messick High School in Memphis, TN, class of 1936 and graduated from the Colorado School of Mines, class of 1940 with a degree in Mining Engineering. He was an Eagle Scout and received the Silver Beaver Award which signifies distinguished service as a council leader.

During WWII he enlisted on December 8th 1941 in Memphis, and served as a naval aviator in the South Pacific as a Second Lieutenant from March 1942 until November 1945 and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant.

He was active in the mining industry as a mine owner/operator in Western Kentucky for over 50 years. He and his two brothers Rogers Badgett, Sr. and Brown Badgett, Sr. were pioneers in surface mining with the use of drag lines in Western Kentucky through Badgett Mine Stripping. He later formed Russell Badgett, Jr. Coal Co. and Sextet Mining Corp. He was owner and past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hancock Bank and Trust since 1972. He was known for his many generous contributions to the community.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Wadlington Badgett, infant son, Roy Brown Badgett, two brothers, Rogers Badgett, Sr. and Brown Badgett, Sr., and one sister Julia Badger.

He is survived by six children, Russell Badgett III, Bentley Badgett II and Joseph R. Badgett of Madisonville, Dr. Choctaw Badgett of Lewisport, KY, Claudia Riner of Louisville, KY and Nita Anne Smaldone of Nashville, TN, sixteen grandchildren, and sixteen great grandchildren.

There will be a public visitation from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2012. Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 with Rev. Glen Sowards officiating. Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers are Bentley Badgett III, Claude Badgett, Russell Badgett, IV, Samuel Smaldone, Andrew Smaldone, Titus Riner and Russell Riner. Honorary pallbearers are Bart Badgett, Nick Riner, Noah Riner and Moses Riner. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society of which Mr. Badgett was a thirty-three year cancer survivor. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.