Garth Brooks served as one of the pallbearers at the funeral of Grand Ole Opry member Johnny Russell on the morning of July 6. Several other Opry members also participated as pallbearers including Brad Paisley, Jim Ed Brown, Billy Walker, Porter Wagoner, Jack Greene, and Little Jimmy Dickens.

Russell died on July 3 after a life-long battle with diabetes. In his lifetime, the singer/songwriter had several major hits including "Rednecks, White Socks & Blue Ribbon Beer," "Catfish John," and "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor." He also wrote top hits for many artists including George Strait's "Let's Fall to Pieces Together" and Buck Owens' "Act Naturally."