William Russell
William (Bill) Hobert Russell was born on September 8, 1942, in Hamilton County (Chattanooga), Tennessee to the late Curtis Lee and Wilma Mae (Jones) Russell. He was the third son of seven brothers and five sisters. William passed away peacefully on Monday, May 3, 2021.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three daughters, Lisa Martin, Darla M. Russell-Ferrell and Carla Y. Russell; one grandson, Deric M. Poole; three siblings, a sister, Rosa Lee Russell and two brothers, Curtis Russell and Walter (Darlena) Russell; mother of Lisa Martin, Sally Carter; mother of three daughters (Florence Regina, Shirley and Veronica), Magnesia Hicks Armour.
William was educated in the Chattanooga Public School System and attended Howard High School. Upon completion William entered the United States Marine Corps, and served from January 1960 to July 1964, obtaining the rank of Private First Class (PFC). After his time in service, William pursued a Business Administration degree at Chattanooga City College.
William was a member of New Holy Temple Cathedral Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the Late Bishop James M. Scott, Sr.
A local hometown guy, William started in automobile sales after acquiring management in a small used car lot on Germantown Road. Many came to smile when thinking of him, deeming him the #1 car salesman in the black community. He would smile right back at them and break out in his infectious laugh. William was a major success in car sales, holding positions at automobile dealerships such as Amos and Andy Trotter Pontiac, John Hicks Oldsmobile, Kelly Cadillac and Capital Toyota, culminating in a career that lasted over forty years.
William was a culinary master who enjoyed cooking for family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers. Always one to jump in and do what needed to be done, William could be found doing “carpool” duties for his children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
William leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Florence Regina (Charles) Cook, Shirley Russell and Veronica Russell; One son Micah Russell; ten grandchildren, Crystal Parks, Daral Boykin, Brittney Cousin, Joe (Kelcey) Myricks, Dr. Desiree Seay, Sherrelle Russell, Ebony Ferrell, William Montrell (Jaluara) Russell, Dallas (Isoke) Cousin, Allendria Amos; ten great-grandchildren, Jordan Parks, Braxtynn Amos, Harmony Jackson, Braelynn Amos, Naima Cousin, Kaylen Myricks, O'Shea Caslon, O'Mere Caslon, Brittynn Amos, Amoni Russell; eight siblings, Lebron (Mattie) Russell, Sylvia Covington, Johnny (Joyce) Russell, Charles (Sharon) Russell, Mary Russell, Gladys Russell, Theresa Russell, Patrick Russell; ex-wives, Shannon Westmoreland and Katherine Russell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a community of friends.
Public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, May 15, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, at New Holy Temple Cathedral COGIC, 2311 Bliss Avenue. Interment will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 17, at Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.