William "Bill" Russell Sr.

William "Bill" Russell passed away on Saturday December 21, 2019. He was the son of the late James Russell, Sr. and the late Rafaella "Viola" Morales. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Latapie Russell and his son, William "Billy" Russell. He is survived by 4 children: John Russell, Laurie Russell Brown, Dorothy H. Russell, and Bon M. Russell. He was the brother of Jack Russell, Joyce R. Frey, Marian R. Kaltenbach, and the late Forrest, Harding, James, Jr., Lillian R. McKelvy Gros, Myrtle R. Evans, and Dorothy R. Alther. Proud grandfather of Randy Russell, Melissa R. Sanspree, Jennifer L. Russell, John D. Russell, Derek L. Brown, Macy E. Cope, Dustin J. Brown and Mali M. Moran. He also had nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was the father-in-law of Mary H. Russell, Susan L. Russell, Louis Brown III, Mavis Dalier, and Stephanie Hoskins. He is also survived and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He proudly served his country in World War II during the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with an honorable discharge. After his discharge from the war, he became a fur dealer and a shrimp dealer with Melerine Seafood. He was also an employee at Ford Motor Company in Arabi, Louisiana. Mr. Russell was a native of St. Bernard Parish. After Hurricane Katrina, he lived his remaining years in Covington, Louisiana. He will be deeply missed by his family and the many friends he has made during his 94 years of life.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend an evening visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Thursday, January 2nd from 6:00PM – 9:00PM and again on Friday morning from 9:00AM – 11:00AM. A Funeral Mass will be held in William’s memory beginning at 11:00AM. He will be laid to eternal rest with his beloved wife Mary in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery.