of Little Rock, AR
January 8, 1939 - May 22, 2017
Joseph Russell "Russ" Lett, Jr passed from this life on May 22, 2017 at the age of 78. He was born at home in the Bement Community near Bertrand, Missouri on January8, 1939 to parents, Joseph Russell Lett, Sr and Lillie Peace Lett, both deceased.
He is also predeceased by a sister, Frances Lett Scales. He is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Mary Cloin Lett; daughters, Jennifer Volpert (Danny) and Amy Lett; three grandchildren, Drew Edwards (Serenia), Patrick Edwards (Beth) and Cara Edwards; two (and one on the way) great-grandchildren; brother, Leonard Lett (Corky) of Sikeston, Missouri; sister-in-law, Bonnie George; and numerous other extended family.
Russ' first "job" was getting to school early and lighting the fires so that the rooms would be warm as other students arrived. He helped to work the family farm for many years. He served in the National Guard/Army Reserves in both Missouri and Arkansas, winning several sharp shooting competitions. While he decided the Army life was not his style, he did look forward to the annual training camps in Minnesota.
Soon after his marriage to Mary in August 1963 in Sikeston, they relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas. He worked at Chicopee Manufacturing (later named Personal Products) in North Little Rock, from which he retired. In his early life, Russ loved to hunt and fish. In later years, he enjoyed sitting outside watching the birds and bunnies in the yard. Russ loved kids and the kids loved Russ. So much that when they first moved to LR, some of young kids in the neighborhood would knock on their door and ask Mary, "Can Russ come out and play?" He would talk like Donald Duck and send them into the giggles. He enjoyed teasing little ones, cautioning"Don't eat the hole in the donut ''˜cause it'll make you sick."
"Pappa's" grandchildren and great-grands always had a place on his knee and open arms to hug. He loved working intricate hand puzzles, figuring them out in short order. And, his quiet sense of humor surprised everyone with a zinger now and again.
Russ came to know the Lord as a teenager at Bement Baptist Church, and was baptized in the local creek. He has been a long-standing member of Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for many years.
The family wishes to thank all of the family and friends who have lended support during this difficult time. And, a special thank you to the staff of Arkansas Hospice.
Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 pm on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209, (501)455-5800. Brother Mike Thomas will officiate the service on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 12:30 pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander. Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church Men's Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church, 7111 Fourche Dam Pike, Little Rock, AR 72206.
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15 Condolence(s)
Betty
Monday, June 19, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the promises in God’s word provide you with comfort and strength during this most difficult time. John 5:28-29
Joe Dixon
Friday, May 26, 2017
Looked up to RUSS , he was a mentor to me at R. M. B. C.
I know he is with Jesus,
And probably surrounded by fellow deacons that he served with, Bro Clyde, Bro Coy,
Bro Brothers, Bro Dixon ,
I'm sorry for your Family Loss,
You will be missed, while others are left behind,
Some day there will be no more good byes,
We will rejoice together and spend eternity together.
Love you RUSS ,
Your entire family made our family welcome ,
God bless all of you.
Love the Dixon Family,
Annie, Joe, Jennifer , Nicholas
Sarah Jane Taylor Hughes
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Mary, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. You and your family are in my prayers
Charles & Sally Scales
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
So sorry to learn about Russ's passing. It was always a pleasure to talk with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
DW
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the
words spoken at Revelation 21:3,4 "(3) With that I heard
a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God
is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they
will be his people. And God himself will be with them.
(4 ) And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and
death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry
nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.â€
Bill and marcia rhodes
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Praying God will wrap his loving arms around you and give you all the comfort you need. Bless you all
Marsha Caldwell
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Jen and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, I know you were very close and I know he will be missed by your family
Jim and Sharon(James)Elliott
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Mary: So sorry to hear about Russ and his passing. I remember picking cotton with him behind the Bertrand school. Those were fun days(?). We know he will be missed greatly.
Jim and Sharon (James) Elliott
Kathy Owens
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Mary and Amy ,family my deepest sympathy for your loss got you all in prayer. Kathy Owens
Marie Woodman
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith Thomas
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Know that you are in my prayers. Russ was a gentle giant while here on the earth and he is a wonderful addition to heaven. While I am happy for him, I pray for you guys....Much Love....Keith
Donny & Jeannie
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Charles and Sue Angel
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted..." (Psa. 34:18) May His comforting presence be very near to each member of your family.
Wayne Hamric
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Deepest sympathies for the Lett family. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
Barbara Chavers
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Amy and family so sorry for your lost. Praying for all of you.