Raymond Russell

Ashdown, Arkansas

Raymond (Ray) Russell was surrounded by his loved ones as he quietly went home to be with his blessed Savior on Monday, November 19, 2012. Ray was born March 17, 1928 in Kona, Kentucky to William and Cora Russell (Ward). He graduated from Arkansas High School in 1946 and later worked towards a degree from Texas Western, El Paso, Texas. In 1951 Ray met his wife Robbie Jeffers at a dance at the Texarkana American Legion. Together they raised four children.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother (Bill Russell), and two grandchildren (Michael and Hannah Mosely).

He is survived by his son Ed Russell (Donna) of Ashdown, Arkansas, daughters Judy Mosely (Chuck) of El Paso, Texas, Nancy Stuart (Ron) of Ashdown, Arkansas and Donna Buckman (Rob), El Paso, Texas; grandchildren Cori Horras, Tiffany Pritchard (Deryk), Brittany Hill (Marc), Kelli Espinoza (Art), John Mosely, Melissa Kilgore (Mike), Amanda Stuart, Robbie Buckman, and Blake Buckman. Great-grandchildren; Gracie Horras, Hannah and Ayden Pritchard, Isabella Hill, Evan, Ever, Emery, and Ean Espinoza, Bradley Kilgore, Kaden and Easton Stuart. Step grandchildren Chris, Tommy, and Denise Devasier. Step great-granddaughter Meredith DeVasier, special “grandson” Steve Jarrett, and a host of cousins from the Ward and Russell (Ennis) side of the family.

Ray spent his early childhood in a coal mining camp in Kona where as a child he learned the value of work and service. In his lifetime he was a delivery boy, newspaper carrier, railroad switch operator, restaurant owner, chemical worker for Thiokol Corp., car salesman, cigar company representative, distribution manager for Keebler, owner of a pottery business, cook, pawn shop, and at the age of 72 a night shift stocker for Wal-Mart in Texarkana, Arkansas. Ray spent many hours in community service projects as a member of the EL Paso EAST Lions organization.

Ray followed in his dad’s tradition of yearly helping the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was his joy to provide turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners, and gifts for many families at Christmas. If you had a need he would fulfill it even if it meant giving you the shirt off his back. (He once did give away the winter coat he was wearing).

During Ray’s years in El Paso, Texas his benevolence continued as he often provided clothing and blankets to aid homeless during winter and fans and water to those in need during the summer. He donated to the Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, Child Crisis, and Good Will centers regularly and supported the Shriners.

Ray knew the importance of education and continued throughout most of his years to pursue his college education. He also knew how important education is to children. He volunteered at his daughter’s classroom helping those who needed extra help with math, reading, and other skills. The children will probably best remember him as the kind man who would go outside with them to toss a football or play kickball.

Ray valued each moment of life and filled his minutes with activity. Daily he took the challenge of the crossword puzzle often aided by his oldest daughter. He was an avid reader of all genres and spent many hours reading books and discussing them with his youngest daughter. When not reading or tackling word puzzles he was engaged in exercise: riding bikes, jogging, lifting weights, enjoying a game of bowling, or challenging his son to a game of golf.

The family expresses sincere “Thank you,” to those who loved and cared for our dad as he fought the battle against Alzheimer’s: Pleasant Manor Nursing Home, Serenity Hospice, and special groups that would visit with gifts and prayers.

Services will be Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 2 P.M. in the East Funeral Home chapel, Moores Lane, with Ray’s son-in-law Chuck Mosely officiating. Burial will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery on Miller County Road 18 near Genoa, Arkansas, under the direction of East Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 12 to 2 P.M. Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the East Funeral Home chapel, Moores Lane.

Ray was dearly loved by all and will be missed. The family asks that you take up his torch this holiday season, and even the entire year, to share God’s love by feeding the hungry and helping the needy.

Philippians 1:21: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.