Thursday, March 28, 2024

Charles Thomas Russell

Charles Thomas Russell was born March 3, 1930 to Willie E. and Della C. (Henard) Russell in rural Lick Creek, IL. He departed this life Friday evening, February 2, 2018, at 7:11 PM at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Charles had attained the age of 87 years.

Charles had two brothers, Victor and Rayburn. In 1953, he married Betty Jo (Bridges) and in their 64 year union, they had 7 children and 2 children of the heart. Charles was preceded in death by his parents and both brothers and their wives, as well as his mother in law and father in law. Waiting in Heaven for him is his daughter Victoria, and her son, Johnny. Charles led a very full life and held many different jobs during his life.

Charles became a Christian in 1953 at New Hope Baptist Church in Buncombe, IL. In 1976, Charles became a member of Saline Lodge #339. During his Masonic membership, he held a host of offices, and was a member or honorary member of several lodges throughout the region. Charles was an 8 time Past Master. He and Betty were also very active in the Order of the Eastern Star. Charles was a 13 time Past Worthy Patron and twice served as a Grand representative. Presently, he was serving as the Grand Representative to Louisiana.

Charles is survived by his wife Betty and their children; Wendell Ray Russell his wife, Sally Russell, and his children, Melaney Gayle Russell, Michael Thomas Russell, Christopher Wilson, Bradley Ray Russell
Cierra Nicole Russell and Amy Burgandine; Daughter of Victoria, Torrie Marie Blevins, Cyndia Lou Miller, her husband Robert Neal Miller Jr. and daughter Marquetta Rochelle Miller-Flatten and her husband, Erik Flatten; Willie Thomas Russell and his wife, Dawn Russell, and children, Victoria Russell, Tina Russell, Willie Thomas Russell, Jr.; Charles Joseph Russell and his wife Kimberly Russell and their children Ashley Russell and Brianna Russell; Lori Ann Daum and her children, Nigel Daum and Samantha Daum.
Alice Faye Carter and her husband, Michael Carter, and daughter Jessica Lyn Winchester; Son and daughter of the heart, Christopher and Bobbi Jean Kuhn, and their children, Aidan Kuhn and Gavin Pippins.

He is also survived by many great grandchildren, brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and other extended family. As well as special friends, Bob and Caroline Hoffmann and Anamaria Davidson Hunt.
Some of his loves in life were his family, friends, beloved dog, Sugar, old westerns, and old country songs.

A memorial service honoring the life of Charles Russell will be conducted Monday evening, February 12, 2018 at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Masonic rites will be accorded at 7 PM under the auspices of Saline Lodge # 339 A.F. & A.M. This will be immediately followed by an Eastern Star service conducted by Egyptian Chapter # 30 O.E.S. Following the fraternal services, a memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Mike Miller and Pastor Bill Gholson.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 PM – 7 PM Monday, February 12, 2018, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Private inurnment will be held in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery near Buncombe.

Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund, c/o Terry Norris, 300 May Avenue, Buncombe, IL 62912.