Graveside services for Willie Waggoner "Bill" Russell, Jr., were held Wednesday April 15, 2020, in Mount Zion Cemetery, Calhoun with Rev. Craig Beeman officiating under the direction of Gill First National Funeral Home.
Bill was born August 31, 1931 in Jena to the union of Willie Waggoner Russell, Sr. and Alice Alexandra Russell and passed from this life on April 13, 2020, at his residence in Winnsboro.
Bill was a member of First Baptist Church in Winnsboro where he served as a deacon. He was a veteran serving 35 years in the United States Air Force. Bill was also active in many aspects of Franklin Parish and the state of Louisiana; for he was the county agent and parish chairman for Franklin Parish serving over 40 years of service to the LSU Ag Center, a founding member of the Franklin Parish Catfish Festival; he served as president of the following associations, Louisiana County Agents Association, Franklin Parish Cattleman's Association, he was a lifetime member of the Cattleman's Association. He also served on several scholarship committees and received the following rewards: LSU College of Agriculture Outstanding Alumni Award and Distinguished Service Award to North Louisiana Agriculture. Bill considered his grandchildren to be his greatest achievement.
His parents preceded him in death.
Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife Dorothy L. Russell of Winnsboro, daughter Kalicia R. Beasley and husband Gary of Rayville, son, Willie Waggoner Russell, III and wife Markaye H. Russell of Calhoun; three grandchildren: William Lee Beasley and wife Mackenzie, Ali Beasley Garriga and husband Michael and Mallory Russell; several nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and friends; and his loving and gracious caregivers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Baker, Jim Baker, Sam Baker, Joe Baker, Robert Sparks, Steele Russell, Jesse Young, Steve Bryant, William Fletcher, Mitch Reynolds, Gene Boquet, Bobby Nelson, Charlie Stephens, and Lee Higgins.
Any planned memorials may be made to the LA 4-H Foundation, LA Tech Foundation, Farm Bureau Foundation or First Baptist Church, Winnsboro.
Online condolences may be made at www. gillfirstnational.com.