Mr. William C. Russell, 92 of 1716 12th Place, Phenix City, AL passed Thursday July 31, 2008, at Doctors Hospital.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 337 10th Avenue, Phenix City, AL with the Pastor Rev J. C. Fryer officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Union Springs, AL with military honors according to People’s Funeral Service of Columbus, Inc. 1604 Talbotton Road. Visitation will be from 1:00PM until 7:00PM today at the funeral home.
Mr. Russell was born August 1, 1915 son of the late Rev. Charles Clint and Effie Neal Russell. He was married to Gertrude Cowles Russell for over 60 years of which 8 children were born, she preceded him in death. Mr. Russell was a United States Army and Air Force Veteran and retired from Chrysler Automotive Plant in Detroit, MI after 32 years of service. In his early years he was self employed as a Master Barber. He served as a Deacon at Bridge Baptist Church for over 45 years and later reunited with his home church Pine Hill Missionary Baptist in Phenix City, AL. William also, opened his home and heart to several foster children.
Left to cherish his memories are 2 sons; William C. (Sandra) Russell, Jr., Detroit, MI, Edwin (Kenny) Parker, Jr., Southfield, MI; 6 daughters Vera(Sidney) Hill, Sandusky, OH Deborah (VJ) Davis, Detroit, MI, Ashley (Lisa) Deerfield, Detroit, MI, Vivian (Victor, Sr.) Masterson , Summertown, TN, Denise (Dexter) Render, Phenix City, AL and Krista (Orlando, Sr.) Parker, Belleville, MI; 29 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; a sister, Minnie Bailey, Phenix City, AL; several nieces, nephews and host of cousins and other loving relatives and dear friends.