William Charles Russell, beloved husband of Barbara Ann Russell, went home to be with his Lord on August 18, 2020 after celebrating his 83rd birthday. He and Barbara were married for 33 wonderful years.
In 2019 he was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kari Jellema.
In addition to his wife, Bill is also survived by three daughters, Lynn Frady, and her husband Shane, Cheryl Rice, and Ricci Fender and her husband Mark, all of Fletcher, NC; one stepson, Brian Jeffries of Tampa, Fl.; five grandchildren, Steven Bugg and his wife Anjely, Brandon Russell and his wife Saleena, Tiffany Anderson and her husband Scott, Katie Sherman and her husband Jimmy, and Ryne Jeffries; two great grandsons, Liam and Owen Russell; one great granddaughter, Valentina Sherman; one sister, Robin Sigwart and her husband David; one brother-in-law, David Bullen and his wife Mary. He was also loved by 5 nieces and their families. Bill was previously married to Bobbie Williams.
After living most of his life in Baltimore, Maryland, he and Barbara moved to Hendersonville, NC. in the fall of 2017. Active in church life always, first at Epiphany Lutheran Church and then at Rosedale Evangelical Congregational Church, both in Baltimore, he sang in the choirs, served and chaired commitees and was the president of the congregation. After moving to Hendersonville, they started attending Upward Christian Fellowship of East Flat Rock in Hendersonville, NC., but due to many illnesses was unable to actively participate and this worried him immensely. Bill loved doing Evangelism for his Lord and did many visitations for that purpose and for spiritual care.
Bill obtained a Certificate of Ordination to perform the marriages of three of his grandchildren, Steven Bugg and his wife Angie, Brandon (RB) Russell and his wife Saleena, and Katie Sherman and her husband Jimmy.
Bill impacted many lives by his love and kindness. He had many “adopted” sons and daughters. He always made people feel welcomed and loved.
Bill served as a medic in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years and worked as an insurance auditor his whole career after a short time in the accounting offices of Sears, Roebuck and Co.
He will be missed by his family and many, many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Upward Christian Fellowship with Pastor Anthony Craver officiating.
Condolence cards can be sent to the family care of: Jackson Funeral Service PO Box 945 Hendersonville, NC 28793