Joe Russell

Joe Eddie Russell

1947 - 2016

Joe Eddie Russell 69, died May 5, 2016, while visiting family in Baldwyn, Miss.

He was born July 31, 1947, in Baldwyn, Miss., to the late Kenneth and Wyna Baxter Russell. He later moved to Kenosha where he graduated from Tremper High School in 1965. In 1966 he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He served two years including one year in Vietnam serving in the 1st Air Cavalry, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry C Company. He was awarded a Bronze Star and he was a Purple Heart recipient.

After returning from Vietnam, Joe married Nancy Plaisted on May 26, 1973. He worked at American Brass in Kenosha, Wis. He quickly learned that he had a passion for computers and accelerated within the company. After a few years he started working for Arco in Illinois. This job eventually transferred him to Pennsylvania where he worked for many years in the IT department. He ultimately ended up working for GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals as IT Director, a position that led him to oversee all of Asia Pacific territories. He lived in Taiwan and Beijing for many years as he supervised a large team. In China, they often referred to him as Buddha for his generosity, humor and overall positive wellbeing that reflected on the team. Through these relationships he forged many long term friendships from people all over the world. His career overseas allowed him to visit some of the most beautiful places throughout Asia, including Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and others. Joe loved music and traveling, but above all he loved his family, sitting around dinner table telling stories and making everyone laugh.

Survivors include three sons, Douglas Russell (Tiffany) of Pennsylvania, Austin Russell (Ann) of Pennsylvania, and Travis Russell (Jamie) of California; sister Nancy Moore (Dave) of Kenosha, Wis.; two grandchildren, Lyla and Zoe Russell; mother of his children, Nancy Russell of Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews, Nathan Moore, Josha Moore and Elizabeth Hoogkamer; great nephews, Hank, Ben, Wyatt and Austin. He also leaves a number of special cousins and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Douglas Russell.

Private services will be held with burial in the Kirkville Cemetery; there will be no public visitation or services. Waters Funeral Home of Baldwyn, Miss., is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to www.watersfuneralservice.com