Wayne Nelson Russell

Funeral services for Mr. Wayne Nelson Russell, 90, of Hughes Springs, will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023 at Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
Wayne Nelson Russell was born April 23, 1932 in Hughes Springs to John and Lucy Russell. He went to his heavenly home on April 16. 2023, one week before his 91st birthday.
Wayne married Daphne Nell Choate on December 28, 1956 and they were married for 43 years until her death in 2000. Four children were born to their marriage: Jimmy Don, Rhonda, Tim, and Gina. After high school Wayne was drafted into the United States Army and served from 1952 until 1955, and was stationed in Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. After his military service, Wayne drove a truck for Bekins Moving Company in Dallas, Texas. There he met Daphne, and after their marriage, they moved back to Hughes Springs to raise their family. He then began his career as an Iron Worker; working all over several states. He enjoyed pointing out buildings he had helped build when driving in the cities where he had worked. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, especially quail and pheasant hunting. For many years he looked forward to his annual hunting trips to Kansas or the Dakotas. Wayne loved football and baseball. He was the last survivor of the first Hughes Springs District Championship team. Above all, he loved watching his grandsons play football and baseball.
He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan until Jerry Jones fired Tom Laundry-which in his eyes was a sin that was never forgiven.
Mr. Russell enjoyed dancing, or as he referred to it, boot scootin', and working in his wood shop. He was a member of Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church, where he led the music service in the early 80's.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; three sisters; his wife, Daphne Russell; daughter, Rhonda Eljoki; sons: Jimmy Don Russell, and Tim Russell; one grandson, Brian Russell.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Buzz Bassham of Hughes Springs; one granddaughter, Delicia Church (Odis) of Olympia, Washington; three grandsons: Cole Russell (Vicky) of McKinney, Texas, Russell Eljoki (Kayla) of Jarrell, Texas; Zachary Bassham of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters-in-law: Kathy Russell of Olympia, Washington and Glenda Russell of Hughes Springs; one son-in-law, Farag Eljoki of Longview, Texas; six great-grandchildren: Shelby Magnuson (Thomas), Kallie Dobbs, Gage Church, Vince Russell, Camden Russell, and Conor Russell; two great-great-grandchildren: Lily and Judah; very special friend, Betty Simpson; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank ICU staff at Longview Regional Hospital for their kindness and compassion during Wayne's last days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hughes Springs Missionary Baptist Church.