William Gallaher Russel

He was born July 12, 1930 in Springfield the son of Martin and Mary Nicol Russel. He married Mary Norabel Council in April of 1950 and she preceded him in death March 10, 2000. He was also preceded in death by a sister Mary Virginia Dawkins. He married Penny Mae Fowler Groth on December 18, 2004.

He is survived by his wife, Penny; son, Henry “Rusty” Russel (Wife, Jennifer Neff Russel) and their daughters, Emil Joy Shangxin and Madison Noel Luoxiya Russel; daughter, Sarah Jane Russel (husband, Dr. Stacy Burroughs). Step family, Patrick Groth(wife, Beth ) and their sons, Samuel, Isaac and A.J. Groth; Laura “Susie” Zink (Husband, David ) and their daughter Lauralai Zink; Chris Groth (wife, Sarah ) and their son, Dexter Levi Groth; Melanie Dinneen (husband, Joshua ) and their children Eliot, Liam, Lucien and Lilyana Dineen; sister, Esther Louise Neat and nieces, Mary Simonelli (Husband, Nick ) and Kathy Gallion(husband, Dr. Todd Gallion); brother, James Russel (wife, Marianne ), nephew Marty Russel (wife, Harriet) niece Michelle Worden (Husband, Joe ), niece Diane Ruiz (husband, Diego), nephew Bobby Dawkins (wife, Olga), several great nephews a great niece a great great niece and by an aunt Gladys Council.

Bill worked hard all his life beginning as a paperboy for the Illinois State Journal. In High School he was head caddy at Illini Country Club opening a snack stand there. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War where he was stationed in Germany. He graduated with a BA from University of Illinois Springfield. He was a Khoury League coach, Indian Guides leader, member of Telephone Pioneers, honorary member of Mary Post Circle of King’s Daughters Home, member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and former member of First Congregational Church.

He was employed at Allis Chalmers, the State of Illinois and Illinois Bell Telephone from which he retired February 1990. Recently he was a consultant at Incredibly Delicious Bakery where he spent many happy hours the last five years.

Remains have been cremated and a graveside service will be held at a later date. Family and friends of William Russel may call at Incredibly Delicious 925 S. Seventh St., Monday April 5th from 2 to 4:00 P. M. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Hospice. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. (www.boardman-smith.net).

My Gift-Billy- The most loving and generous man I have ever known in my life. I will love you forever, Penny.