Ray Benton Russell

Ray Benton Russell, of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away August 7, 2024. He was born on May 18, 1937, and was 87 years old. He was the son of Willie Benton Russell, and Mary Gilmore Russell. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, Willie Ella Russell and Mary Lee Brown, and by his daughter, Tana Rae Hines. He was also predeceased by his former wife, the mother of his children, Helen Hufford McCord; his wife Glenda Ivy Russell, and later his wife Melba Martin Russell.

Mr. Russell is survived by his daughter Sheri Lynn Russell of Dallas, Texas , sister Laura Carson and husband Dee Carson, of Sanger, Texas; sister Patricia Morris, of Gun Barrel City, Texas; grandchildren Brandon Hines and wife Loni of Enterprise, Alabama; Christopher Hines and wife Laura of Burleson, Texas; Preston Russell and wife Whitney of Midlothian, Texas; Granddaughter Katlyn Dooley and husband Nikolaas Ibañez of Midlothian, Texas, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Russell served in the U. S. Air force, and upon discharge joined the Dallas Fire Department, where he attained the rank of Captain. During his career, he earned a BA degree from North Texas State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from SMU Law School. He practiced law in Lewisville, Texas, for several years before retiring in rural Cooke County, Texas. In 1991 he was appointed County Judge of Cooke County by the Commissioners Court, where he served until 1994.