Reuben was born on August 19, 1929, to Reuben E. Russell Sr. and Elsie Mae Cathey of Cabot, AR, and passed away on February 24, 2018, from a lengthy illness.
Reuben graduated high school early and enrolled in Ouachita Baptist University where he received his bachelor’s degree math in 1950. While at Ouachita, he was a member of ROTC and met his future wife, Barbara Ann Bishop from El Dorado, AR. They married January 21, 1951. Reuben was commissioned at a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps October 3, 1950, and remained on active duty for 2 years prior to entering the U.S. Army Reserve. He entered graduate school at the University of Arkansas and received a master’s degree in electrical engineering in 1955. He served on the directional boards of both schools for many years.
Reuben accepted an engineering position in Pine Bluff, AR, with Central Transformer Corporation, later Central Maloney Transformer Corporation Inc., where he rose to manager of engineering and later vice president of engineering. He developed the production and engineering that allowed padmount transformers to be practical for commercial and residential uses. One of his premier applications was the design and supervision of installation of the first commercial underground electrical services for North Park Mall in Dallas, TX. This design also allowed for the installation of underground residential electrical service. After leaving Central Maloney Inc., Reuben opened a consulting and contracting business in Pine Bluff, which he continued until retirement. He was inducted in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in 1963 and remained a member until his death.
While in Pine Bluff, Reuben was an active member of First Baptist Church for almost 60 years and served as an ordained deacon since 1963. He taught Sunday school for many years, enjoyed singing in the choir, and helped with the Pine Bluff Sister Cities program. Reuben moved to Grand Prairie, TX, 3 years ago to be closer to family and there he attended the First Methodist Mansfield Wesley Class and the First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie.
Reuben is proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Art Russell. He is survived by his sisters, Patricia Russell Hobbs of Bossier City, LA, and Carolyn Russell Jefferies (JR) of Greers Ferry, AR, and sister-in-law, Millie Russell of Bay City, MI.
Reuben is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Bishop Russell; his son, David R. Russell (Christina) of Maumelle, AR; his daughters, Sue Russell-Carlson (Larry) of Dallas, TX, and Julia Russell Dombrowsky (Mark) of Grand Prairie, TX. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Robert Glover (Cassie) of Gravette, AR; Amy Glover Houghton (Bob) of Minneapolis, MN; Laura Glover Russell (Chris) of Kingston, NC; Sarah Dombrowsky Avinger (Spencer) of Dallas, TX; and Michael Moon of Little Rock, AR; and 14 great grandchildren.
Inurnment service to be scheduled at a later date in Arkansas.
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