William Owen Russell

September 24, 1938 - March 25, 2021

09/24/1938 - 03/25/2021

Past Services

Visitation
Thursday April 01, 2021
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Service
Friday April 02, 2021
11:00 am
Azalea Baptist Church
3314 E Little Creek Rd
Norfolk, VA 23518
Directions
Cemetery
Friday April 02, 2021
1:30 pm
Albert G. Horton Memorial Veteran Cemetery
5310 Milners Rd.
Suffolk, VA 23434
757-255-7217 | Directions

William “Bill” Russell was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who went to be with The Lord on March 25th, 2021. Bill was born September 24th, 1938 in Lynchburg, VA to the late Archie and Gertrude Russell. Bill was preceded in death by his siblings Marjorie Hutcherson, Sybil Russell, Stanley Russell, and Donald Russell.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Alise Russell, sister Doris Dalton, son Tony Russell and wife Anne, son William Todd Russell and wife Billie, daughter Tracie Clark and husband Robert, grandchildren Lauren Hinerth and husband Sean, Meredith French and husband John, Haley Berger and husband Collin, William Boyd Russell and girlfriend Nicole Perry, great grandchildren Albert Hinerth, Reagan Hinerth, Marilyn French and Melanie French.
Bill joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 and retired after 20 years of service. He then worked for 11 years in maintenance at Military Circle Mall. He then returned to serve the government as a Civil Service employee as a Contract Mechanical Inspector for an additional 20 years.
After retirement, Bill enjoyed helping family and friends as well as spending time with his grandchildren and friends at Azalea Baptist Church, of which he and his wife have been dedicated members for almost 50 years. Bill was the first person one could call for help and was known to give the shirt off his back. He and Alise would graciously open their home to anyone who needed a place to stay.
The Family will host a viewing for friends and family Thursday April 1st from 7pm to 9pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Dr., Virginia Beach VA 23462. Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on April 2nd at Azalea Baptist Church, 3314 East Little Creek Rd, Norfolk VA 23518 followed by burial at 1:30pm at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434.
If you met Bill, you would not easily forget him. He was best known for his sense of humor and quick wit. Bill was loved by all and will be missed dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Azalea Baptist Church in his name.

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Kaytren
2 years ago

Sending all my love and prayers to the Russell family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Denise Matchen
2 years ago

Todd, our thoughts and prayers are sent to you and your family for the loss of your Dad. We know he will be missed by all.

James and Denise Matchen

Michael Cappadona
2 years ago

So frequently Mr. Russell and his wife would come by Fire Station 3 to say hey to Brother Todd. But it surely didn’t end there. Shortly after Mr. Russell settled in it seemed the crew would trickle in and listen to his corny but hilarious jokes and stories that you just can’t make up.
Bill you’ll always be loved and always missed.
My Condolences to the entire Russell family during this difficult time.

Joe Francis
2 years ago

We’ve known Bill and his wife Alise since the seventies when we all became members of Azalea Baptist Church. Bill and Alise became part of a Sunday School Class I was co-teaching and they were faithful in all of the church’s many ministries, including the Deacon Family Ministry. Bill was a witty individual who was always good natured and willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. Bill loved God, his family and his country and will be sorely missed by all who was privileged to know him. Our condolences go out to his Alise and family as they grieve his passing. They will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Joe and Rosemary Francis

Michael Warlikowski
3 years ago

I met Bill back in the 70’s when he was working @ Military Circle. Our paths would cross many times after that. Bill always asked about family as your and his was important to him. One by one I met all of Bills kids and they are all as kind and loving as he. He was a brother of the best sort that would offer a hand with a strong grip, and help you any way he could. Bill loved his dogs. I remember he had a dog “Buster” that grabbed my leg when I walked out of his garage. Bill jokingly said “Mike I told you to stay in the garage” His dog Rocky brought much joy to Bill. He loved to play fetch. I will miss you Brother Bill. RIP

Cheryl J Skinner Tri-State Military Museum
3 years ago

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,

May your memories of William Owen Russell, give you peace, comfort and strength…

Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….

US Navy Veteran, William Owen Russell, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†

† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

Teresa smith
3 years ago

I met Mr.Bill a few years back when he brought his dog Rocky to my shop for grooming. He was such a character and a good story teller I enjoyed every conversation I ever had with him. He loved to tell a joke or hear a good one. He was one of my special clients the ones that you are always happy to see and leave you with a smile on your face. My condolences to his wife and family it is a hard path to navigate and i pray in days to come you will be surrounded with kindness and compassion. I will not forget Mr. Bill.