Date of birth: 21 Feb 1932
Date of death: 25 Nov 2018
Obituary
William Herman "Sonny" Russell
William Herman (Sonny) Russell, 86 died, on November 25, 2018 at the State Veterans Home in Kosciusko, MS.
Our Sonny was born on February 21, 1932 in Grenada, MS to Hermoine and Esther Kuykendall Russell. He grew up in Lexington among many lifelong friends. He joined the United States Navy in 1950 following his high school graduation. Sonny served in the Korean War stationed in Guam.
He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Yearwood, on November 10, 1952. They lived in Oakland, California for two years where he was stationed at the Alameda Naval Air Base, United States Navy. Upon leaving California, they moved back to Lexington, MS to raise their family.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was faithful in service, teaching Sunday School for many years. He loved his church family, but most of all he loved Jesus Christ. Family and friends were his treasures. It is not a surprise to anyone how Sonny loved people. He loved stories. He lived large and loved well. He could spin a tale that no doubt you would believe and never forget. The Little River Hunting Club held an endeared place in his heart. The memories and experiences he shared there gave him solace and comfort throughout his life. He was one of the last two charter members.
Until later in life, Sonny was an active businessman and farmer. His last and most favorite pastimes were his prized Black Angus cows and driving his tractor. Fie lived the last two years of his life in Madison surrounded by the love of his daughter, Laurie, and son-in-law, Terry.
Sonny is survived by his son, William Bruce Russell, Sr. and wife Sheila of Lexington, MS; his grandsons William Bruce Russell, Jr. of Jackson, MS and Sessums Russell of Oxford, MS; daughter, Laurie Russell Dahlem and husband Terry of Madison, MS; his granddaughters Darah Dahlem of Tyler, Texas; Katie Dahlem Robinson and husband Clint of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, James Christopher Russell. Tn April of 2010, he lost his beloved wife of 58 years.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 108 Tchula Road, Lexington, MS 39095 or Lexington Foundation For Excellence (Central Holmes School) P.O. Box 14, Lexington, MS 39095.
Family Relations of
William Herman Russell
Parents:
Hermoine Russell
Esther Lauren Kuykendall Russell
Spouse:
Betty Yearwood Russell
Children:
James Christopher Russell
Military Notes
Obituary states... he was stationed at the Alameda Naval Air Base, United States Navy.
More information, family relationships, and images may be found by CLICKING HERE (external link)
Have you found an error or mistake? Please let us know by completing the form below.
As we have added new fields to our database, please send any pertinent information as to military service using the form below
Copyright © 2025 Lexington Odd Fellows Cemetery, Inc.
Copyright © 2025 Lexington Odd Fellows Cemetery, Inc.