Russell

Willie Russell, 67, of Rock-dale died Friday, June 1, 2018.

Memorial services are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home.

Mr. Russell was born March 28, 1951, to Willie Illis and Rose Marie (Jackson) Russell.

He spent most of his life in Austin.

Mr. Russell was diagnosed at an early age to be mentally challenged. In Austin, he received the special help, training and family support he needed to live a productive life.

He worked for Goodwill’s for 25 years, where he was trained to use a forklift. He rode the city bus to and from work, he maintained his own apartment with assistance from his family. He retired from Goodwill due to health problems.

Mr. Russell moved from Austin to Rockdale to be closer to family and to receive assistance with his medical care.

He enjoyed fishing, going to garage sales, listening to the blues and going to MARC.

Mr. Russell was preceded in death by a longtime friend, Delores Hill; his father, Willie I. Russell; his mother, Rose Mare Jackson Russell; a brother, Tommie L. Russell Sr.; a sister, Debbera D. Essell; and a niece, Keyanna Russell.

Survivors are six sisters, Bobbie Deary and husband Bennie, Lynetta J. Russell and Lahoma Russell, all of Rockdale, Deloris Dunn and husband Reginald, Linda Dukes and husband Fred, and Joan McBride, all of Austin; and two brothers, Ernest Russell and wife Annette of Rock-dale, James Russell and wife Gail of Austin; also, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.