Russell A Maris

Russell Maris was born January 18, 1942 in Warren Ohio to James E Maris and Dorothy Ann Lane. The family relocated to Oak Cliff Texas in 1946, when Russell was 4 years old. He and his family were members at Tyler Street Methodist Church and he was very active in Boy Scouts. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time with friends where he was always the life of the party. He would remain in Winnetka Heights until the last 6 weeks of his life, where he then relocated to his daughter and son in law’s family farm to live out his days surrounded by his grandchildren, farm animals, and the busyness of country life.

Growing up in the 40s and 50s was a different era—he enjoyed riding the trolley to the end of the line and back at just 7 years old. He also loved going to the Texas theatre every Saturday with his brother where they could stretch a buck to include a hamburger and root beer at the local pharmacy and popcorn, candy, and even a double feature with money to spare. He had a fascination with cars early on and bought his first automobile before he could even drive, using money he earned doing odd-jobs around the neighborhood. He took apart his first engine at the age of 10, sparking a life-long fascination with mechanics—a passion that would serve him well throughout his life. He worked at and managed the service department of a new car dealership before he was recruited for the sales department. He was a natural salesman who loved his customers and knew how to keep them for years. Many would stay with him until he retired.

He married two beautiful oak cliff-ites in his lifetime, and had 3 wonderful children—Debbie Maris-Estes (Danny Estes) and Cheryl Maris-Watkins (Dale Watkins) of Ben Wheeler, Texas, and Troy Maris of Dallas, Texas. He enjoyed his golden years on Montclair where he played games with his neighborhood friends, always took time to give good advice, share a joke, or lend a listening ear. Never meeting a stranger, he had a heart of gold and could put anyone at ease, even the most difficult to love. An eternal optimist, he made plans for the future until the day he passed.

He will be remembered lovingly by his children, grandchildren--Emily, Faith, Hannah, and DJ Watkins, Devyn Gengo, Dalyn Blotz, Billy Moore Jr., and four great grandchildren, brother, Jimmy Maris and his wife Barbara Maris, adoring niece Sandy Maris, and nephews, Brad and Scott Maris, and countless grand-nieces/nephews and friends who were like family.

Russell is preceded in death by his brother and sister I. Law Max and Jan Maris and nephew Mark Maris.

He went home to be with the Lord peacefully March 21st, 2022 in his daughter’s home, surrounded by loved ones. They reminisced on good times and shared beloved memories, which they will cherish until they meet again.