Russell Albert Borill Sr.

Russell enjoyed making people laugh and lived his life to the fullest. Russell married his first wife at a young age and later married his second wife in the 1980s. Together, they helped raise their grandchildren.

When Russell was a child, he spoke only Cajun French and did not speak English until he went to school. A deep passion of Russell’s was music. From his 20s to his 60s, he played the drums in Cajun French bands, giving his time and talent to the sounds and traditions he loved. He played with Mitch Landry and the Cajun Rambler's for 15 years, and he was generous in sharing what he knew—teaching others to play Cajun music on many different instruments.

Throughout his working years, Russell was known for his hands-on skill and strong work ethic. He did mechanic work as well as paint and body work, and he also served as a police officer and worked as a truck driver—roles that spoke to a life defined by practicality, service, and perseverance.

At an early age, he built and raced racecars and came to love hotrods and motorcycles. Just as naturally, he loved to cook, and he took real joy in teaching others how to cook. Family get-togethers were close to his heart, and his presence helped make ordinary moments feel like something worth remembering.

Russell is survived by his wife, Charlene Borill; son, Russell Albert Borill, Jr.; daughter, Jalaina Marie Borill; stepdaughter, Zoie Morden (Jimbo); sisters, Betty Broussard, Juliet Touchet (Peter) and Julie Ann Comeaux (John); along with 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Numa Borill; mother, Grace Gray Bouley; stepmother, Margie Borill; brothers, Robert Trahan, Mitchel Guidry, Glen Borill and Adrian Borill; sister, Thelma Seaux; stepson, Edward Vess and uncle, Reese Borill, Sr.

Russell left an everlasting mark on many lives and was very loved by many. May he rest in peace.