Bobby Dee Russell

BOBBY DEE RUSSELL of Jacksonville, formerly of Duck Hill, Miss., died on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 at home at the age of 80. Bobby was born on March 24, 1930 in Mayflower, Ark. to Alvin and Mary Leta Russell. He attended Misco High School at West Ridge, Ark. before joining the US Air Force where he served at various locations during the Korean Conflict. On Oct. 21, 1950, he married Leona Rae Harvison in Pepanto, Ark. Following his service to his country, Bobby moved his family to Memphis for a short time and then chose Duck Hill, Miss. to work and raise his family. He was an active member of the community and was a faithful member of the Grenada Church of the Nazarene. After his retirement from the Lennox Corporation, he spent time assisting others in community work; home projects and loving his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Three years ago, Bobby and Leona moved to Jacksonville to be closer to their family. They joined Bayou Meto Baptist Church in Jacksonville where Bobby's faithfulness became an encouragement and inspiration to others. He especially enjoyed his Men's Sunday school class as well as the 50 plus group. The Sunday sermons will be much quieter now without Bobby's vocal praise and prayers for God to "help us Lord help us" and "forgive us Lord, forgive us". He was a strong man, full of confidence, love for others and possessed a deep passionate Love for God. He is survived by Leona Rae, his devoted wife of 60 years; two sons, David (Ann) Russell of Dardanelle, Ark., Ralph (Becky) Russell of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Kim (Shawn) Walter, Shayne (Lyle) Manning, Casey Russell, Abby Russell; great-grandchildren, Cole, Bethany, Riley and Carter; brother, Billy Russell of Joiner, Ark.; sisters, Gayle Ash of Waterford, Miss. and Ann Kilburn of Duck Hill, Miss. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Mary, Virginia, Butch and Charles as well as a granddaughter, Jae Lynn Russell. Bobby's life will be celebrated by a visitation for family and friends from 2-4 p.m.on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 at Bayou Meto Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Harvison-Carter Cemetery in Sulphur Rock, Ark. Please sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. (501) 982-2136.