Ikey, 

Your humor and love will be missed by so many of us. A fun brother you were!

One of many fond memories that I have is when we were all in the 
front yard taking pictures and mama told you to stay out of one because it was of the girls only. You wanted in the picture so bad that you climbed up the tree that we were all standing in front of so that you could get in the picture! We have laughed about that to this day. I still have the picture. 

We will always have the fun times  and the fun Christmas's at
608 Hume Street in our hearts.

Go Rest High on That Mountain
brother your work on earth is done.

Bug



﻿Ikey,
What a wonderful brother you were to grow up with. Even though we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, our childhood was one of the best!  It consisted of playing kick ball in the alley behind our house and playing “Army” with you, Jerry, Brenda and Rosie. It was so much fun when we would shoot each other with our homemade rubber band guns and how Jerry would take our army stripes off our t-shirt. If we didn’t do it right, he would tell us that we could not  be in the “Army” anymore!
As we prepare to say our final good-byes, I want you to know how proud I was to call you my big brother and how much I will miss you.  So now it’s time for you to join Mama, Daddy, Robert, Joyce, Barbara and Peggy in heaven. I know they are looking forward to seeing  your smiling face and to hear the  laughter of your voice once again.  

Ike, you know the love I have for you as  a brother, but you will always have a special place in my heart for the love and care you have shown Faye. As she battle Parkinson & Dementia. Your visits and breakfasts we shared, you always made her forget that battle with laughter and conversation. She would lite up every time you came up the walkway. I saw that same love and care you showed Robert as he battle cancer. Rebuilding your home from the 2010 floods to the many road trips with him, you made him forget the battle he was fighting and he would laugh above the pain we knew he was having. You have been a great dad, that love and care shows in your kids, Rest-in-Peace Ike, your work here on earth is done, but your footsteps of love, caring for others and laughter still walk this life with every person that has ever crossed your path!
 








I lived across from Mr. Russell for 25 years.  He watched my sister and me grow up and looked out for my entire family like we were his own. Want to know what’s going on in the neighborhood? Ask Mr. Russell. Need someone to keep an eye on you as you make your way to your front door after dark? Mr. Russell was happy to do it. Just plain need help? Mr. Russell would help you in anyway he could, and as much as he could. He makes me think of the command to love your neighbor as yourself. He certainly showed us love, in so many different ways. 

I will carry what Mr. Russell taught me about  being a good neighbor through my life. I’m sorry that y’all are dealing with losing such a special man.

Ikey and I were two years a part,  and we played together a lot he taught me how to play marbles and a lot of things we always went to Morgan Park to swim and watched the Baseball Games on Friday night.  We would go to the old Sulferdale Ball park and watch the games through the cracks in the fence.  That was some great times in those days.  He will be missed but now in the arms of Lord and savior , rest my Brother.

Uncle Ikey,
I remember how you would always sing to me Rhinestone Cowboy and I shot the sheriff.  You were so funny, silly, and sweet. I am so thankful the last time I was with you was at Jays Restaurant. You secretly bought my meal and I got to hug and kiss you goodbye that day. You had a huge heart and you loved your family. I will see you again someday, until then you will be missed.

I have a lot memories. When we were in 5th grade together he told his teacher we were twins. 
When we were kindergarten or first grade we were walking home just as we were crossing street a fire engine came in front of us and he dropped his crayons and ran home told momma the fire truck ran over his foot and crayons. Not true he was afraid of fire engine at that time. I love you Ikey and will miss you a lot. 

Along with a great personality and the ability to make everyone laugh, Ikey taught me how to drive a “3 on the tree” column shift manual transmission when I was 12. We were on some back road in Springfield and he pulled over to let me drive the rest of the way to Aunt Barbara’s house. The next several years were full of him teaching me anything and everything about being an electrician and a respectful man. You will be missed and loved forever.

Uncle Ikey,
You were such a blessing to have around. Your laughter and smile lite up a room. You were a wonderful father, brother, friend and especially Uncle. One time I went over to your house and I had a blow out . You came and changed my tire for me. I told you I would pay you and you said pay me in doughnuts and I said that was a deal. You will be dearly miss!! We love you!!

Uncle Ikey ,
You had a gift for making people laugh that’s the thing I will remember most about you , your sense of humor could always make someone smile , you will be missed but I know your in a better place now !
You will always remain in our hearts !
You will be missed !
Love ,
Lisa 

OBITUARY

William Mike "Ikey" Russell

July 20, 1949 – June 13, 2021

Mount Olivet Funeral Home & Cemetery

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