William Russell also known as Bill was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He enlisted in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran quickly making rank of E-5. He met his wife, Hong, there and they had three children - Sonny, Julie, and Ronnie. Early in his life, he loved to travel living in Vietnam and Iran working for Bell Helicopter and then eventually settled in Brownsville, Texas where he raised his family and opened up a cabinet shop and purchased the Casa Alta Apartments. Bill enjoyed working doing remodeling jobs and perfecting his skills with carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. With his success and children grown, he delved into collecting especially Coca-Cola memorabilia and Seeberg Juke Boxes. We affectionately called him Juke Box Bill. Bill had a big heart, his passion for collecting and giving was his way of expressing his love. Bill loved his family, he loved telling stories about his collecting adventures and shared not only his wealth but his time with his family and friends. For many years, Bill fought Parkinson’s disease and eventually lost the battle, he will be truly missed by all those who knew him.
William is survived by his children: Ron Russell and Julie Russell; his grandchildren: Billy Russell, Johnny Russell and Sophia Orgel.
William was preceded in death by his son: Sonny Russell †; his parents: William Russell † and Vera Russell †; his Siblings: Ray Russell †, Jim Russell † and Joan Grable †; his wife: Hong Russell †.
A visitation for William will be held Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Chapel of Angels, at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A continued visitation will occur Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM in Chapel of Angels, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521. A burial will occur Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 9:00 AM at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521.
Serving as pallbearers are: Jon Zepp, Jeff Orgel, Johnny Russell, Billy Russell, Ron Russell and Scott Harrison.
