William James "Jimmy" Russell's Obituary
William James Russell
Delaware State Police, Ret.
"Jimmy" Russell died suddenly on October 17. Born on March 26, 1942, he was a lifelong resident of Bridgeville. He graduated from Bridgeville High School, served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1965, and retired from the Delaware State Police force in 1989. Following his retirement, he worked for ten years as an investigator for Brooks Armored Car Service, Inc. and, at the time of his death, was employed as a Funeral Director's Assistant by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium.
He was a lifetime member of the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company, and was recently chosen by his peers as Fireman of the Year. He was a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite, and was a member and Past Master of Hiram Lodge #21. He was also a member of the Association of Retired Delaware State Police. He was an avid golfer, and, at the time of his death, was looking forward to his annual trip to Myrtle Beach. He enjoyed his big, black Harley-Davidson and the time he spent riding with his friends.
Mr. Russell is survived by his wife Ellen; son Christopher and his wife Sarah of Bridgeville; son Douglas and his fiancee Stephanie Smith of Smyrna; two brothers Robert and Ronald Russell both of Bridgeville; a sister Carol Carlisle and her husband Keith of Greenwood; and his father-in-law John Kunkle, formerly of Milford, now living in Roxboro, North Carolina. He also leaves step-grandchildren Jordan and Erin Chisenhall, and the three grandchildren who were truly the joys of his life, Christopher Blake, Samuel Roland and baby Allison Grace.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 21, 2 PM at Union United Methodist Church, Market & Laws Street, Bridgeville with the Rev. Dale Brown officiating. Friends may call on Saturday, October 20, 7-9 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE. Interment with full State Police Honors will be at Bridgeville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 727, Bridgeville, DE 19933 or Bridgeville Public Library Building Fund, 210 Market Street, Bridgeville, DE 19933.
Send online condolences to: [email protected]
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