Rev. William "Bill" Michael Russell, born September 16, 1933, in Richmond, Va., went home to be with the Lord September 1, 2005, due to an automobile accident. Bill served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict (1951 to 1954) where he traveled to five of the seven continents. He came to Springfield in 1961 where he attended Baptist Bible College, graduating in 1964. After graduation, he pastored churches in Ash Grove and Willard. He worked for MFA Milling Company for 20 years. In 1981, he started his own printing business until his retirement in 2002. Bill served as a volunteer firefighter for many years. He also served on the Willard City Council where he took a keen interest in the welfare and development of his community. He was preceded in death by his father, Mike Russell; his mother, Ella Williamson Russell; and two nephews, Mike and Delbert Crafton. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Claudia; son, Dennis and his wife, Shelley; son, Terry and his wife, Kathy; three grandchildren, Jake, Emily, and Nick; sister, Laura and her husband, Delbert Crafton; a brother, James and his wife, Ruth Russell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, with funeral services on Tuesday at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Brown Avenue Baptist Church: Carpet Fund. Bill will be missed by all his family and friends. A special place will forever be reserved in our hearts for him.
Rev. William "Bill" Michael Russell, born September 16, 1933, in Richmond, Va., went home to be with the Lord September 1, 2005, due to an automobile accident. Bill served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict (1951 to 1954) where he traveled to five of the seven continents. He came to Springfield in 1961 where he attended Baptist Bible College, graduating in 1964. After graduation, he pastored churches in Ash Grove and Willard. He worked for MFA Milling Company for 20 years. In 1981, he started his own printing business until his retirement in 2002. Bill served as a volunteer firefighter for many years. He also served on the Willard City Council where he took a keen interest in the welfare and development of his community. He was preceded in death by his father, Mike Russell; his mother, Ella Williamson Russell; and two nephews, Mike and Delbert Crafton. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Claudia; son, Dennis and his wife, Shelley; son, Terry and his wife, Kathy; three grandchildren, Jake, Emily, and Nick; sister, Laura and her husband, Delbert Crafton; a brother, James and his wife, Ruth Russell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, with funeral services on Tuesday at 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Brown Avenue Baptist Church: Carpet Fund. Bill will be missed by all his family and friends. A special place will forever be reserved in our hearts for him.
Bio by: J. D. McConnell
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