Birl Russell

Birl Jefferson Russell, 94 passed away, Wednesday, February 3, 2021, in Bryan. Birl was born February 14, 1926, in New Baden, Texas to William and Zula Meadors Russell. Birl shared many stories of his childhood. The adventures of growing up in a large family, on a sandy, country road, far from the nearest town, made for many interesting stories!

He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings; sisters, Gracie Byrd, Madie Dodd, Gertrude McClure, Gretchen Brown, and Jorine Jett, brothers, Granville, Grady, George, and Avolt Russell, and his daughter Sharon Kay Dieckman.

Birl was a proud veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army, in the Italian Theater. He married Christine McBride on January 6, 1949. They moved to Point Comfort, Texas where Birl worked as a welder at Alcoa Aluminum until his retirement in 1980. He always volunteered his service to church and community. He was a Deacon in the Baptist Church. He served on the Little League Board of Directors, and was the city Marshal. Birl was known for coaching many, winning Little League baseball teams.

During his retirement years, Birl enjoyed traveling the United States, pulling his travel trailer. He also spent time fishing and tinkering with the repairs and sales of lawn mowers. His sense of humor and good-natured teasing will be missed by all who knew him. His gift for finding or making the next “best deal of the day” was always entertaining to watch.

Birl, is survived by his wife Christine: sons, Larry Jefferson, (Beverly), of El Campo, Danny Keith Russell, (Merrilou), of Edna. He was Paw Paw to grandchildren; Ross Jefferson Russell, (Shelly), James Sledge Russell, (Audrey) Lacie Petersen, (Weston), William Russell, Clay Russell, (Sarah), Crystal Patranella, (Brandon), Blake Schneider, (Nicole), and Dallas Russell, (Josie). He leaves behind 14 great- grand- children.

The family extends a special thanks to all of Birl’s friends and wonderful neighbors for their help and thoughtfulness.

A celebration of Birl’s life will be held 10:00am Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Memorial Funeral Chapel 1515 S College Ave Bryan, Texas 77801. A Graveside Service will be held 12:30pm at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Franklin, Texas. Masks and social distancing will be observed during this gathering.

Memorials may be made to Northview Baptist Church, 1809 Tabor Road, Bryan, Texas 77803, or to the donor’s choice.