Funeral Services for Willard Ralph Russell, 92, of Many, were held August 27, at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Jared Vincent officiating. Burial followed in the Ft. Jesup Cemetery. Willard Ralph Russell was born on Wednesday, January 2, 1924 in Robeline. He passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Sabine Medical Center inMany. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Doris Colston Russell; parents, Joseph and Dorothy Forbis Russell; brothers, Raymond Russell, Joseph Russell, Jr. and Travis Russell; and sister, Susie Russell Anders. Ralph Russell grew up in the Robeline Ft. Jesup area. He told many stories of the Great Depression, share cropping and moving from farm to farm. One of the delights of his life was picking cotton all day for 25 cents and going to see brand new westerns with JohnWayne. He loved traveling to the mountains and taking his family on vacations. He drove all types of trucks, tankers, dump trucks and worked on cars. He loved to change the oil and would check everyone’s oil that drove up in the driveway. Mr. Russell was a Christian man and was often the first one to church on Sunday mornings; he was prompt. He served in the bishopric in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved the Lord and taught his children the importance of staying close to their Heavenly Father. He always had a smile on his face and spoke to everyone. He loved to visit old folks and listen to their stories. He also loved dogs and most of his life had one right beside him. He will not be forgotten and always revered as a wonderful husband, dad, and PawPaw. He is survived by his children, Patsy Spears of Many, Jerry Russell of Ft. Worth, Texas, Margaret “Dinky” Hatten and husband, Rich of Temple, Texas and Debra Bailey and husband, Kent, of Lumberton, Texas; 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.warrenmeadows.com
July 15, 2026
