William Russell

William Ezra "Bill" Russell passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, May 31, 2018. He was 78 years old. Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, with visitation starting at 10am. Pastor Bradley White will officiate, assisted by Sister Pam White.

Born on April 26, 1940 in Birmingham, Iowa, Bill was a resident and businessman in Baton Rouge for most of his life. He was the co-founder of Lucy's Telephone Answering Service, a pioneer in downtown redevelopment, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and an entrepreneur of the highest caliber. He was exceedingly kind, continually generous, and one of the sweetest and gentlest men that God has ever bestowed upon His Earth.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Lucy Sylvest Russell, his soul mate and business partner for the past 44 years. He is preceded in death by his most beloved daughter and precious angel, Melissa Leigh "Missy" Russell, with whom he has finally been reunited after 33 years. Bill is also preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and John; his three brothers, Dick, Merle and Red; and his in-laws, Mike and Evelyn Sylvest.

He is also survived by his sons and their spouses Steve Broome, Johnny and Maria Russell, Mickey and Kim Broome, and Tommy McGrew; his grandchildren Ava, Hannah, Hayleigh and Zachary; a great grandson, Luca; and a sister-in-law, Marge Russell. A special thanks is extended to Bill's nieces and nephews, and their spouses, for their unwavering support: Brad and Jennifer Russell, Tony and Anne Sylvest, David and Geri Sylvest, Pam and Pat Martin, and Trish Jones. Love and thanks are also given to Bill's extended family, including Sharkey Mullins and family (Marcy and Zane), Junior Fife, David Walker, Natasha and Natalie Russell, Garrett and Tyler Sylvest, Debbie and Bob Bolton, and all of his friends from the "Loop Social Club" in Pass Christian, MS. A sincere thanks is also given to the medical staff which cared for him during his final days. All of these fine folks, and a great multitude more of friends, relations, business associates and loved ones - too numerous to count - bid a loving farewell to their friend, sending him onward with prayers, tears, and a gladness of heart. Everyone will remember Bill's hearty laugh which, although it may now have been silenced, will undoubtedly ring out in Heaven, and will forever echo in the hearts and souls of those he has left behind.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Monday, June 4, 2018
10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Service

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Monday, June 4, 2018
1:00 pm

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816