Russell Polston

Mr. Polston was a native of south central Kentucky and called Burkesville, Kentucky home. After a brief stint in the Navy, he entered Lindsey Wilson College in 1946. After graduating in 1948, he enrolled at University of Kentucky and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. He was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

Immediately following graduation, he began his 40½-year career in agriculture credit with the Federal Intermediate Bank of Louisville, Kentucky as a credit examiner. Transferring to Chattanooga in 1957, he was shortly elected as president and CEO of Chattanooga Production Credit Association, which later became Ag Credit. He served in this position for 32 years and retired in 1991.

A member of First Baptist Church, he was a life deacon, having served as chairman. He was Finance Committee chairman, chairman of the Investment Committee and served as the first chairman of the Committee on Committees. He served as trustee and was a member of the Pulpit Committee in 1985. He was a loyal and devoted member of the Waters Sunday School Class.

Civic activities included Chattanooga Kiwanis Club for 27 years and then member of City Farmers Club and SCORE. He served on the Board of Directors of the Hamilton County Farm Bureau, Hamilton County Soil Conservation, American Red Cross, Neighborhood House and six years on the Personnel Committee of the Hamilton County Baptist Association.

After retirement, Mr. Polston was inducted into the. Hamilton County Agriculture Hall of Fame. He received the Distinguished Service Award from Lindsey Wilson College and was president of their National Alumni Association for two years. He was later commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel and a Tennessee Colonel. He was appointed to the Governor's Council on Agriculture and Forestry during the Sundquist administration. He received the Outstanding Service Award from the Hamilton County Farm Bureau.

Mr. Polston was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine, his daughter, Leanne, his parents, Porter and Pearl Polston and two brothers, Keith Polston and Billy Polston.

Survivors include one niece and four nephews, and two grand nieces.

Funeral services will be 3:00 Wednesday, October 20 at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas Quisenberry officiating. Deacons of First Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Maxine Polston Scholarship Fund in care of First Baptist Church of Chattanooga 401 Gateway Avenue Chattanooga, Tennessee 374002.

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