William Lee Russell, Sr.

William Lee Russell, Sr., 88, of Indianapolis, passed away on Saturday, April 15, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on June 27, 1934, in Indianapolis to the late William Doven Russell and Mildred May (Spaw) Russell Messmore. William married the love of his life, Phyllis Marie (Marlett) Russell on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1953.

William was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers, Local 20 from 1954 to the present. A member of Fairland Christian Church from 1972 and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved to hunt, fish, garden and always had a woodworking project in the works. He was always helping others and will be missed.

Survivors include his children, William L. “Chewy” Russell, Jr. (Jessica), James H. Russell (Rose), Donna K. Massey (Manny), Sherrie L. Russell (Butch) and Tracy A. Delk (Jeff); grandchildren, Misty Sutton (Paul), Jenni Bossom (Joe), William David “Bub” Russell (Chestine), Jeremy Russell (Theresa), Alicia Fosnight, Kricket Russell (Jobie), Michael Massey (Ashley), Bradlee Delk, Nickolus Delk and Trevor Delk (Kim); 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. 

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Phyllis Russell; siblings, Stella Crawford, Bud Russell and Fred Russell; favorite hunting dog, Sparky and other dogs, Bruno and Marty.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 20 from 11 to 12 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, with a funeral service following at 12 noon. Burial:  Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood.

Memorial contributions have been suggested to the Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

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