of Little Rock, AR
May 30, 1925 - November 5, 2020
Wayne Russell, 95, of Little Rock (formerly of Hope, AR), passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020, at his home. He was born May 30, 1925, in Brownsville, TN to William Lancelot Russell and Addie Sue Powell Russell. He graduated from Messick High School in Memphis, TN and the University of Memphis.
Wayne enjoyed a long and successful career in the Arkansas poultry industry. He retired in 1979 as Vice President and General Manager of Corn Belt Hatcheries, a division of the Kroger Company having started with Corn Belt at its inception in 1956. Wayne served as President of the Arkansas Poultry Federation and was honored as APF Man of the Year in 1972. He also served on the Arkansas Egg Council.
A WWII veteran, Wayne served in the Army Corp of Engineers, landing on Omaha Beach in 1944 and saw action at the Battle of the Bulge before being honorably discharged at the end of the war. In the ensuing years he returned to Memphis; married his high school sweetheart; started their family; and moved to Hope, AR, where the family grew to four children. A lifelong and devoted Christian, Wayne was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Hope, where he served in a number of lay positions and was long tenured as part of the teaching rotation of the Century Bible Class before moving his membership to Highland Valley UMC in Little Rock.
As part of the greatest generation, as described by Tom Brocaw, Wayne possessed a strong work ethic, a deep devotion to God, family, and country, a keen sense of humor, a natural affinity for building and fixing just about anything, and a life-long love for St. Louis Cardinals baseball, which he shared with his wife. These qualities among many others he instilled in his children.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ruby Phillips Russell; 4 children, Lynn Russell Teague (Bill) of Nacogdoches, TX; Mike Russell (Melissa) of Jonesboro, AR; Phil Russell (Melinda) of Germantown, TN; and Steven Russell (Tina) of Little Rock. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren; Blake Breshears (Stacy), Lynsey Russell, Meghan Russell, Maggie Russell, Whitney Russell Hollingsworth (Joey), and Drew Russell (Julie); 3 great grandchildren; and his brother, Thomas I. Russell of Inglewood, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents; his 4 brothers William L. Russell, Jr., Roland P. Russell, Joseph H. Russell, Henry Russell, and his sister Mary Sue Russell Moore.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2020, in the chapel at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR (501-224-8300). Private burial will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, AR.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland Valley UMC, 15524 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211.
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18 Condolence(s)
Myra Wylie
Friday, November 27, 2020
Thinking of family celebrating Wayne’s wonderful life
John Jaros
Thursday, November 26, 2020
So sorry for your loss. It sounds like he had a long and great life. May he Rest In Peace.
Jim and LeaAnn Teague
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Praying that you find comfort that he is now rejoicing in heaven. What a blessing to have had so many years to make memories with such a wonderful family.
Phillip and Susan Watkins
Monday, November 16, 2020
What an amazing life! Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Scott & Amy Schuh
Monday, November 16, 2020
Deepest condolences to Steven and the entire Russell family on the passing of this fine man. Though I did not know Wayne personally it’s very obvious to me that one acorn (Steven) did not fall far from the tree. What a legacy you have carried on and shared with your children and grands in your Dad’s honor. God Bless you all!
Buzz Andrewd
Thursday, November 12, 2020
Wayne and Ruby were my neighbors when I was a child. We respected Wayne for his hard work ethics and his presence in a small town neighborhood... Wayne and Ruby raised a bunch of kids that knew the value of how to work and how to be successful... Mike, his son is my best friend as has been since our school days... I am glad that Wayne live a long life so his children and grandchildren could have him in their lives... He and Ruby had a wonderful marriage and I’m sure Ruby will miss her buddy... Love this family....
Tommy Waters
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
I am sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I am blessed to have known him for most of my life. A great example to follow. Prayers to Ruby, Lynn, Mike. Phil. And Steven and your families. God Bless.
Jane Moore Wise
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
With you in loving spirit, as you celebrate Uncle Wayne's life and grieve his passing.
Wes & Lee Moore
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Words can never express what is in our hearts for your loss. May your love and your memories comfort you during this difficult time. Uncle Wayne will be very missed. We are all blessed to have known him. All our love. Wes & Lee
John W. Cover
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Mike and family, I understand your hurting heart in these times. You were so blessed for him to have such a long and productive life as I admired him while reading the obituary. We in this little town have not forgotten your years in our community, and the contributions you made to our farming community. Crops were good here this year but there wasn't any bustle up there where you kept things turning. The plant was closed down three or four years ago and we miss it and you. Best of memories always about your dad. Sincerely John W. Cover (An old Rider also)
Debbie Allison
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Mike and family- I’m so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. We are thankful to know our loved ones are safe and well now, but it doesn’t keep us from missing them.
Jim Tolewitzke
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
My condolences, met him once, such an outstanding man.
Cathey Morris
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Hello, I am a member of Highland Valley and did not personally know Wayne, but I am terrible sorry for your loss. In reading his obituary, it is evident that he had a life well lived. My dad, Troy Cooper, also landed on Omaha beach and was in the Battle of the Buldge. He was in Gen. Patton‘s Third Army, signal Corp. I can’t help but wonder if they knew each other!
Mike and Bobbie Waters
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. A great friend of the Waters family for many years. Our thoughts are with all the Russell family.
Dodie and Duane
Monday, November 9, 2020
We are so very sorry for the loss of our friend, Wayne. He was always the gentleman and Christian man and a GREAT hugger!!!!
Karen Waters Waller
Monday, November 9, 2020
The Waters are thinking of you and praying for you. An amazing gentleman, friend and an example for all of us to strive towards
HERRN & MARGIE NORTHCUTT
Monday, November 9, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. What a great man Wayne was. Always gave me hugs when I came into Sunday School Class.
Alice Ann Watkins
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Thinking of you......