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Willis Russell Obituary
January 24, 1942
October 12, 2014
Willis E. Russell, known as Bill, passed away on 10/12/2014 at St. Mary's Hospital due to complications following successful treatment for lung cancer at the age of 72.
Bill was born and grew up in Livermore, California, on a chicken ranch with his parents, 2 brothers, and 1 sister.
He retired after 20 years with the Air Force, serving in both peace time and details during the Viet Nam war. He moved to Reno after his retirement where he became employed with the MGM Grand. Most recently, he retired from the AFL-CIO, where he worked tirelessly as a union organizer within the casino industry.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Rube and Lou Russell, and his youngest brother, James (Jim) Russell. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Russell, his daughters, Carrie Valdez, Sherri Twedt, and April Zaring, all of Reno, and his sons, Scott Russsell of Tacoma, Washington, and John Lockridge of Visalia, California, and also his son's in law, Hank Valdez and Jeff Twedt, and daughter's in law, Dotty Russell and Cheryl Lockridge. He was also loved by and will be missed by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Robert (Bob) Russell of Reno, and sister, Darlene Schmeirer of Fairfield, California.
"People die, memories do not; cherish the people in your life, let them know you love them, because sometimes our loved ones are taken from us so suddenly we never get the chance to tell them how we really felt."
Bill, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother, friend, by whichever name you were known, you are loved and will be missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willis Russell
Scott
October 10, 2022
I wasn't the greatest teenager a father could want to raise. Unfortunately I was quite a bit more than just trouble, I was probably everything a parent did not want in a child. After many years of disruption to my family and friends , and then several years of being away from them , changes did eventually occur for me . My father finally got to see me turn my life around and become a good man . I miss him , there are so many more things I'd like to do with him. Things I didn't get to do as a teenager with him. I know in the end he was proud of me , that makes all the difference. Love you dad, till we meet again.
Your son , Scott
Luana Layton
October 17, 2014
Beautiful tribute.
Judi Lane
October 17, 2014
Condolences and prayers for you and your family at this time. May the Lord draw near to you and carry you through this.
Barbara Ellis
October 17, 2014
My condolences to you and your family, Darlene. praying that precious memories offer you Peace and Solace
October 17, 2014
You helped a lot of people. Rest in peace, brother. Andrew Barbano / CWA Local 9413/AFL-CIO NevadaLabor.com
Cyndie
October 16, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to your family. I hope you can find solace in knowing that your father in sitting in the palm of the Lord's hand and has found peace.
October 16, 2014
Dad you never expressed to me that you would not finish this battle your were fighting. I talked to you the Wednesday before your passing and I believe you knew your would come home. You did, just not to your Earth home. God had another plan for you. We don't know why but I do know every one of us is on a path in life. I wish we had more time. I will always remember you holding up the kitchen island and telling us your stories. This too is where you cooked up the most wonderful dishes that I am sure none of us will be able to duplicate. I will miss you and loved you so much. I will be there for you family and your son. I love him and you knew that. You were proud he changed his life and he knew that. Thank you for letting him know that. Rest in peace until we meet again. All my love.
Sherri Twedt
October 16, 2014
I'll miss our talks, the tomato contest, Christmas socks, and cooking together. I'll see you later.
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