Funeral service for Phillip Wayne Russell, age 83, was conducted at
Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel on April 6th, 2019,
Pastor Jerry Griffin officiated.. Interment followed service in Smyrna
Cemetery.
Mr. Russell passed early Tuesday morning in Tyler at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in the Louis and Peaches Heart Hospital.
He was born Sept. 7, 1935, in Emory, to the parentage of Alma Payne
Russell and Lillian Samford,
He graduated from Emory High School one year early as the school allowed him to skip one grade, due to his high academic level. He, also, graduated as Salutation of his class.
He married Kathy Sue Bailey in Forney, on Dec. 1, 2006.
He was a horse and cattle rancher.
Survivors include:
Wife: Kathy Russell of Emory
Daughter: Kelly Fuller (David) of Emory
Son: Craig Russell (Katie) of Hardin
His grandchildren: Kelsie Shabay; Jacob Fuller; Clayton Fuller; Jake Russell; and Luke Russell
His Great-grandchildren: Ty, Libby, Noey, and Anna Kate
His Step-grandchildren: Kenzi Pogue, Mika Massey-Smith, and Bryson Chailer
Brother: Sammie Potts of Mesquite
Sisters: Ruth Myers, Louise Moser, Helen Gaston, and Kathey Weatherford
Preceded in death by: Parents,
Step-mother, Gladys Potts (who raised him from the age of 7 years old);
1st Wife of some 50 years and Mother of his children: Wanda Mears Russell,
Brothers: Billy Russell and Jerry Russell
Step-brothers: Doris Potts and William Potts
Brother\-in-law: Marvin Moser and William Myers