Obituary

William Jewell Russell, Jr.

December 21, 1931 - September 21, 2021

William Jewell Russell, Jr., age 89 and resident of Franklinton passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

He was known to many of his family as Jr. He was born and raised in Foxworth, Mississippi before moving to Washington Parish where he became a heavy equipment operator for Southern Natural Gas Company. He was an avid outdoorsman Willie spent most of his spare time hunting, fishing, gardening and with his family. As a young man he served 6 years in the Air Force. During this time Mr. Russell enjoyed his position as a radio control operator, transmitting important message and often classified information using Morse code. His character and sense of humor never faltered, even in his last days Mr. Russell seemed nearly jubilant, saying to the doctors and nurses, “Well if y’all can’t hear what I am saying I can just use Morse code”. When he was faced with the decision to stay in the military and move to the other side of the country or leave that life behind, he chose to stay closer to home and his family, setting a great example for his kids and future grandkids as to what is most important in life. He was a certified freemason and was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Franklinton, chartered through the grand lodge of Louisiana. As a man with a never give up attitude, he never gave up on anything or anyone. A unique character, a remarkable man, a great leader was he. This was William Russell, Jr. and the impression he made in his time on this earth will remain. Good bye for now. We will miss you.

Survived by: Wife of 68 years: Cecil Russell; 2 Sons: Bill Russell, Randy Russell; 3 Grandchildren: Will, Rhiannon and Lora Weidenfeld; Brother: Victor Russell; 3 Sisters in law: Mary Russell, Agnes Russell, Katherine Russell; He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Rebecca Russell Weidenfeld, his parents W.J. and Mittie Hammond Russell, 3 brothers Charles Russell, Gayle Russell, Jerry Russell.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home on Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 12 noon until time of funeral service at 2 PM in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Joe Baugh and Rev. Cody Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Carlee’s Garden.

Pallbearers: P.J. Hammond, Chris Russell, Daniel Russell, Jonathan Russell, Ronnie Russell, Michael Russell