Russell County Obituary Search
Russell County obituary records are available through local newspapers including the Phenix Citizen and the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer from Georgia. The county seat is Phenix City, located on the Alabama-Georgia border across from Columbus. The Probate Court at 1000 Broad Street maintains estate records dating back to 1819. FamilySearch has digitized probate estate case files from 1826-1915 and probate records from 1837-1942. The Phenix City-Russell County Library offers genealogy resources. Funeral homes in Phenix City post recent obituaries on their websites.
Russell County Quick Facts
Russell County Probate Court
The Russell County Probate Court is led by Probate Judge Belinda Strickland. The court handles estate matters, wills, and related filings. Probate records can help when obituaries are not available, as they often list family members and heirs.
A public access computer is available at the Judicial Annex at 501 14th Street in Phenix City for searching records.
| Address | Russell County Courthouse, First Floor, 1000 Broad Street, Phenix City, AL 36867 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 298-7979 |
| Fax | (334) 384-9866 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EST |
| Probate Judge | Belinda Strickland |
| Website | russellcountyprobate.us |
The Probate Judge has maintained marriage, probate, and land records from 1819. Birth and death records are available at the County Health Department. Under Alabama Code Title 12, Chapter 13, probate courts have broad jurisdiction over estate matters.
Russell County Newspapers
The Phenix Citizen is a local newspaper serving Russell County. Because Phenix City sits directly across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia, many obituaries also appear in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
This Georgia newspaper connection is important for Russell County research. Families in Phenix City often had ties to Columbus and may have published obituaries in either or both papers.
For historical obituary research:
- Columbus Ledger-Enquirer archives
- Phenix Citizen back issues
- FamilySearch Alabama Probate Records
- Georgia newspaper archives (for Columbus)
Do not overlook Georgia sources when researching Russell County deaths. The close relationship between Phenix City and Columbus means records often cross state lines.
Russell County Records Research
Russell County sits on the Georgia border, making research slightly different from interior Alabama counties. Check both Alabama and Georgia resources when searching for obituaries.
The Phenix City-Russell County Library has genealogy resources and can help with local research. Staff know the area and can point you toward useful collections.
| Library Address | 1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City, AL 36867 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 297-1139 |
Russell County Funeral Homes
Funeral homes in Phenix City serve Russell County families. Many also serve clients from Columbus, Georgia due to the cities' proximity. Contact funeral homes directly for obituary records.
Because of the border location, some Russell County residents use funeral homes in Columbus. If you cannot find records from Alabama funeral homes, check Georgia businesses as well.
Funeral homes maintain records of services they perform. Even if obituaries are not posted online, they likely have information on file. A phone call can often get you what you need.
How to Search Russell County Obituaries
Start with Legacy.com for recent obituaries. Search by name and filter by either Phenix City, Alabama or Columbus, Georgia to catch obituaries from both areas.
FamilySearch has free digitized Russell County records:
- Index and Probate Estate Case Files (1826-1915)
- Probate Records (1837-1942)
- Alabama Probate Records collection (1809-1985)
The USGenWeb Archives Project has contributed materials for Russell County. These free resources include transcribed obituaries and other vital records.
For Columbus, Georgia newspapers, check the Digital Library of Georgia or NewspaperArchive.com. The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer has been publishing for over 150 years and covered both sides of the river.
Find a Grave lists burial records for Russell County cemeteries and also Columbus area cemeteries. Use burial dates to narrow newspaper searches.
Death certificates from Alabama are restricted for 25 years under Alabama Code Section 22-9A-21. The fee is $15 for the first copy from the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Nearby Counties
Russell County borders several Alabama counties and the state of Georgia. Obituaries may appear in papers from neighboring areas.
Start Your Search
Use the search tool below to find obituary records in Russell County, Alabama.