William John Russell Jr., age 87, a native and lifelong resident of Daphne, passed away Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015.
Bill was a lifelong member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
He was a graduate of McGill Institute, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Alabama Law School.
Mr. Russell served in the Navy during WWII.
He was a senior financial analyst of information systems at International Paper Co. for 35 years. Bill also practiced law, and was an active member of the Alabama Bar Association for more than 50 years.
He was the national director of the NAA and served as president of the local chapter. He also served as a Daphne City councilman for 12 years and a charter member of KOER.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Maxine Byrd Russell of Daphne; five children, Jay (Jennifer) Russell of Shreveport, La., Julie Russell (Milt) Rowell of Daphne, Geralynn Russell Lee of Daphne, Daryl (Missy) Russell of Mobile, Dwayn (Carrie) Russell of Mobile; 19 grandchildren, Justine, Chelseay, Sam and Brendan Russell, Michael, Emily and Jack (Cindy) Sawyer, Joanna Dorsett, Emily Bullock, Richard, Sarah, MaryJo and Rebecca Lee, Brian, Bradley, Thomas and Julia Russell, Morgan and Andi Russell; three great-grandchildren, Harrison and Ben Dorset, Shep Bullock; many other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held from Christ the King Catholic Church, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 at 11 a.m.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the service time.
Interment will follow in Belforest Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 27409 U.S. Hwy. 98, Daphne, AL 36526, 251-625-2900, wolfefuneralhomes.com.
