Russell Owen Williams

Russ was born August 16, 1931, in Portsmouth, Virginia to Harvey Edward Williams and Fannie Mae Williams. Russ enjoyed sports. academics, history and life. Two of his proudest accomplishments were attending the United States Naval Academy and following his graduation in 1954, becoming a Marine Corps Jet Pilot. He loved to talk about those days and share his experiences with his family and friends.

Russ married Mary Ann Lowe in August of 1954 and together had five loved and devoted children. He remained in the Marine Corps as a Reserve pilot with each one of his children born at a different base where he was stationed. Russ retired from the Marine Corp Reserves in 1968 and went on to have a very diverse and successful career in the business world. He quickly moved up through the ranks with each endeavor through his hard work and determination to succeed and provide for his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary Ann for 43 years until her death from cancer in 1997. During her 13-year battle, he demonstrated a love and commitment to her that showed God's grace and faithfulness and through that example to her and the Lord, that faith carried over to his children.

His children's fondest memories of their father were the annual beach trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where the legacy remains with their own families and grandchildren.

His greatest accomplishment, however, was his faith and his devotion to our Lord. His next phase in life was when he met and married Barbara Ann Marschal in 1998, while serving as Director of Counseling at Mount Paran Church of God. They met while he was leading a Stephen's ministry counseling group. After their marriage they established Living Hope Counseling Center, where they counseled together until he was asked to serve as Director of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Mount Paran North. They counseled together until his retirement at the ripe old age of 84. Barbara is still active in the counseling ministry to this day and carrying on that legacy.

Russ touched so many lives while on this earth and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. His love, care and devotion to the Lord, his family and his church family will be his legacy to all who knew him. That is by far the greatest accomplishment we could all ask for. Thank you Russ for your life, love and faith. We will miss you but know our LORD has already awarded you the Victor's Crown. the Crown of Rejoicing, the Crown of Righteousness, the Crown of Life and the Crown of Glory. "WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT"!

Russ is preceded in death by his parents Harvey Edward Williams and Fannie Mae Williams, his wife of 43 years, Mary Ann Williams, and his great grandson, Carter Lee Woodall. Russ is survived by his wife Barbara Marschal Williams, her two daughters, Michele Abdon and Sherri Westfall, his children Cynthia Denise Mooney and husband John William (Bill) Mooney, Patti Gale Woodall and husband Kirk Jackson Woodall, Bradley Stewart Williams and wife Robin Williams, Laura Leigh Bailey and husband William (Bill) Bailey. Thomas Edward Williams and wife Mitzi Page Williams, his sister, Katherine (Kay) Decker, and his 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Russ was affectionately called "Paw-Paw" and "Mr. Russ", by his blended family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Russ's Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held at Restoration Church, 410 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004 on Saturday, April 13, 2024, with visitation from 11am-12pm, Service 12pm-1:30pm, and visitation following the service from 1:30-2:30pm.

Burial will be held at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia, 30114.

All are welcome, God Bless!