Norman Ray Russell

Norman Ray Russell was born in Port Arthur, Texas June 2,1934 and went to his eternal resting home April 3, 2022. He was 87 years old. He was proceeded in death by father Claude Allen Russell, mother Alice Thelma Sutherland, brothers Claude Allen Russell Jr. and Jerry Russell. He is survived by wife Carolyn, brother Gene Russell and wife Kathy, children Jacqueline Kennon, Timothy Russell and wife Karen, grandchildren Jason Mitchell, Nichole Gamble and husband Dana, and Nicholas Russell, great grandchildren Devin, Dylan and Savanna Gamble, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Norman grew up in Port Arthur, Texas and attended elementary through 6th grade at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, and completed his education in public school. He served in the US Navy from 1951 until 1955 on board the US ALGOL (AKA -54) during the Korean War. While assigned, he was awarded four service medals for his actions, including The Korean Service Medal, The United Nations Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, and The Good Conduct Medal.

Following his service, he returned to Port Arthur, Texas in June, 1955 and married the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Emerson on June 8, 1957. They enjoyed 64 years and 9 months together before Our Lord called him home. Together, they had 2 children, Jacqueline and Timothy. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, teaching them his belief in the value of hard work.

Always drawn to the outdoors, he loved fishing, hunting and golf. He loved to travel in their RV and together he and Carolyn visited all 50 states, including Alaska, several Provinces in Canada and Nova Scotia, often with grandchildren.

Norman was a member of Memorial Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas where he served as a Deacon and taught Sunday School. He assisted in Sunday Services, including operating the sound board for the choir. He was also a member of The Lions Club at Hilltop Lakes, Texas and The Gideon's International in Beaumont, Texas.

A graveside service for Norman will be held Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079 with Dr. Jeremy Bradshaw presiding; and a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Norman's memory may be made to Gideon's International , http://www.gideons.org/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the RUSSELL family.