Russell William Dinkel

Russell “Rusty” William Dinkel, 77, of Stanardsville, formerly of Bedford, went to be with the Lord on February 5, at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was born in Bedford on May 5, 1947, to the late Benjamin Thurston Dinkel and Vina Virginia Welch Dinkel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris McManama and Mildred Overstreet; brothers, Lewis Dinkel and James “Jimmy” Dinkel.

Russell was born and raised in Bedford. In his early twenties, he worked at Adams Construction Company paving roads with his older brother Jimmy. Later, he worked for Harris Trucking out of Lynchburg. Russell would often tell stories about the roads he helped pave or the states he visited while driving his tractor trailer.

Throughout his life, he loved being outside and working with his hands. You could often find him working on cars, tinkering on various things inside or outside the house, or caring for his dogs. Later in his life when he wasn't as mobile as he would have liked to have been, you could find him sitting in his blue recliner with his red plaid blanket on him watching old western TV shows or movies on Grit TV. Russell knew a lot about a little, and a little about a lot, depending on how he spun the story to whoever listened. 

He is survived by his children, Brian Dinkel (Tonya), Marla Yeatts (Chris), and Erin Tate; five grandchildren Landon Dinkel, Sarah Dinkel, Madison Yeatts, Lily Yeatts, and Sydney Tate; his girlfriend and caregiver Sue Cochran; sisters, Reva Wheat (Owen) and Linda McGhee and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the ICU team and Palliative Care team at Martha Jefferson Hospital for the exceptional care and support they gave Rusty in his final days.

Per Rusty’s wishes a private service will be held. To send condolences online please visit tharpufuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.