William H. Russell

Funeral service for William H. Russell, age 93 of the Black Lake Road will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday (Dec 12, 2019) at the Galilee United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Nichols & Rev. Norm Bice officiating. Burial will follow at Stone Church Cemetery in Morristown. Mr. Russell passed away on Sunday (Dec 8, 2019) at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.

Surviving are two sons Ronald Russell of Central, SC & Curtis (Lori) Russell of Hammond; a daughter Cindy Russell of Hammond; four grandchildren Zeb Russell, Danielle Wallace, Jordan Russell & Kristin Beasley; great-grandchildren Uriah Warren, Emma Claire Russell, McGavin Russell, Rylan Russell, Ryker Beasley & Emmalyn Ann Marie Russell; a sister in law Nancy Russell and many nieces, nephews & cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife Emogene, an infant son David Russell, and two brothers Dean & James Russell.

Bill was born on July 15, 1926 in Ogdensburg NY, a son of the late Stanley & Elizabeth (Maculay) Russell. He attended Scotch Bush Rural School and then graduated from Morristown Central in 1944. He later married Emogene Kelley on March 31, 1946 at the Stone Church in Morristown with Rev. John Myers officiating. Emogene died on August 31, 2010.

During his career he worked on his family farm, and for Ross Brown, McCadam Cheese, Town of Oswegatchie, Standard Shade Roller and later Eastern AI Corp in Ithaca, where he retired from in 1988.

Bill was a 62 year member of the Black Lake & Hammond Free & Accepted Masonic Lodge # 319; an honorary member of the Spruce Mountain Hunting Club; served 16 years on the Morristown Town Board having the title of deputy supervisor 13 of those years; exempt member of the Morristown Fire Department and was the oldest member joining in 1945; served as trustee for many years at the Presbyterian Stone Church; served on many committees at the Galilee Church where he would also help his wife Emogene make 40 loaves of homemade bread for the pancake breakfasts. He was also a member of the Black Lake Fish and Game Club, past leader of the Black Lake Bullhead 4H Club, oldest member of the Texas Holding Card Club and was inducted into the Morristown Central School Hall of Fame 1944 Baseball Team.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Galilee United Methodist Church, 5129 County Rte 6, Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Condolences and fond memories can also be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.