J. E. “Gene” Russell, Jr., 91, of Waco, went to be with the Lord after a long struggle with cancer and surrounded by his loving family in his home at 10:15 p.m. Monday, May 20, 2019.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Graveside Service: 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 24, at Wortham Bend Cemetery with Pastor Dan Carroll officiating
J. E. “Gene” was born February 6, 1928 in Waco to John Edgar Russell and Myrtle Glover Russell. He served our country in the US Army during World War II and the Korean War. Gene retired after many years of service at the Waco Veteran’s Administration Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Betty R. Russell; son, David Russell; daughters, Debbie Alderson and Sandy Stanton; sister, Louise Hamby; godchildren, Angie Rawls, Karen Rawls, Shannon Rawls and Mark Rawls; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Place of Service: Wortham Bend Cemetery , 614 Oak Grove Loop; China Spring, TX 76633
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My love & prayers are with you, Betty Ruth and all of the family. Gene was a special man whom I have been fond of for over 70 years. He was always loving to his family and I remember how he included as family… my grandmother, Minnie Rodgers Bethany. He was always hopeful of inventing another better gadget for improving things & life for tomorrow. He joyfully gave his advise and smiles to strangers at the Hardware Store and to anyone who would listen. My sincere condolences for the loss of Gene who was loved and will be missed by all.
Blessings in Christ,
James Bethany
Gene was such a dear man. If a person didn’t like him, there was something wrong with that person! What I will remember most about him is that he was always smiling and happy in his heart. There was nothing Gene couldn’t fix, unless it was made from inferior disposable-type materials and even then he’d give it a go. Larry made many a trek across the street to get Gene’s advice, opinion, and/or help with any mechanical or motorized failure. Gene (and Betty) were the best of blessings to us on Cedar Mountain, even helping arrange our engagement. We’re ‘around the corner’ now, but they are never far from our hearts. Larry and I wish peace and comfort for Betty, David, Debbie, Sandy and all the grands and great-grands and others who loved and miss this dear man.
Gene was one of a kind I would love to go in his shop and just seat in wonder the way he would design and then machine pistons handmade spark plugs a working motor the size of a box of matches and his stories I know I have heard a thousand times and enjoyed every one of them.
I’ll miss you my friend.
Mark Welch
I loved him! He was my O
PawPaw. I miss him so much.