William A. Russell

Mr. Bill Russell, 81, a long time resident of Lake Burton, quietly passed away March 11, 2008 after a fulfilling productive life. He was born and raised in White County to Bill and Grace Russell where he became known as an accomplished athlete at Cleveland High School. After graduating from high school Bill went to Piedmont College for a short time before joining Special Forces in the US Army. He served his country with valor in the South Pacific as a Sergeant in C Company of the 6th Ranger Battalion under Colonel Musey in the push through the Philippine Islands to the Japanese mainland. Serving as a Military Police upon the occupation of Japan he returned home after nearly two years to attend and graduate from the University of Georgia and marry his long time girl friend Gene Meschine of Clarkesville, GA who also attended and Graduated from the University of Georgia. After college they moved to Atlanta where Bill worked for Geo. A. Hormel Co. promoting and expanding their canned meat division in the Southeast until his retirement in 1989. Also during his time in Atlanta he was very involved in recruiting football players for the University during the Vince Dooley years and being a loving, supportive father and husband. He was involved for many years in the Murphy Chandler Park girls fast pitch softball program taking a major league travel team all the way to the Nationals. Bill and Gene moved in 1990 to Lake Burton in Rabun County and enjoyed retirement. Bill was regarded as one of the most knowledgeable fishermen on the lake for many years. He and his wife, Gene, enjoyed their involvement with the Lake Burton Civic Association hosting many arts and crafts shows at the association meetings and Bill serving on the Board of Directors for several years. Bill is survived by his wife, Gene, and his son, William A. Russell III (Bill), his wife and son Joni and Andy, and his daughter Shell Russell Spatch, her husband and daughter, Al and Shanna. Both families and his wife Gene reside in the East Cobb / Roswell area and enjoy a close family relationship. A brief visitation and service will be held on Friday March 14th at 12:30 pm at the Barrett Funeral Home chapel on 118 North Brook Street just off the square in Cleveland, GA. In lieu of flowers contributions to one of the following can be made in Bill’s memory: The Lake Burton Scholarship Fund, 41 Education Street, Clayton GA. 30525 or Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY. 10001. Northside Chapel Funeral Directors and Crematory, Roswell/Alpharetta, 770/645-1414. www.northsidechapel.com

William A. Russell

April 27, 1926 - March 11, 2008