Russell A. Williams

WINSLOW, Maine - Russell A. Williams, 76, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2016. Russell was born on June 6, 1940 in Lowell, Massachusetts and was one of seven children of J. Forrest and Orintha Williams of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts.

Russell and his wife Sandra were married on Dec 31, 1958. He enlisted in the Army in August of 1958 and served two tours in Vietnam, one with the 4th Division and his second with the 101st Airborne, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with V Device for Valor. He retired with 22 years in the service with the rank of SFC.

Russell was a member of the Tyngsboro Congregational Church where he was the Sexton for 21 years. He was also on the Board of Deacon’s and the Prudential Committee. Russell was also famous for his roast beef church suppers. He held an auction for the church once a year where he was the auctioneer and brought smiles and laughter to all who came. He also ran the fall fair that had “something for everyone”.

Russell is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandra; their five children: Jodi Boulanger and her husband Chris of Vassalboro; Kimberly Kendall of Winslow; Irene Gaud and her husband Raymond of Ocala, FL; Marion Tanguay and her husband Michael of Lowell, MA; Russell A. Williams, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Lowell, MA; 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; three sisters: Dian Potter of Laconia, NH; Irene and her husband Lance Renaud of Winter Garden, FL; Beverly (deceased) and her husband Dick Smith of NH; three brothers: Forest Williams of Methuen, MA; Donald Williams and his wife Loretta of Tyngsboro MA; David Williams of Ocala FL; along with several nieces and nephews.

Russell had a great love of Christmas and it gave him great joy as he played Santa every year for his grandchildren big and small. He was greatly loved by all of his family and will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 13 beginning at 3PM at the First United Baptist Church of Lowell, 99 Church Street, Lowell MA followed by a fellowship in the church hall.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville ME. www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com