Obituary of William J. Russell

William Joseph Russell "Bill" Born March 9, 1935 in Washington D.C. Died November 13th, 2012, Tacoma Washington A great loss will be felt by many in Tacoma as those who knew Bill, treasured his stories, his generosity, kindness and his smile. Stop by his home and there's always a cup of instant coffee available for you…..need a snack and you could have yourself a "large" candy bar or a cookie. His Father and Mother, William and Helen Russell, a young military couple left Washington D.C. for a tour of duty in Dutch Harbor, Alaska when young Bill was four years old. They returned in time for Bill to attend school at Holy Rosary Catholic School until graduation in 1948. Proceeding to Bellarmine High School, he graduated in 1952 and was very active in school activities especially sports. He attended Seattle University before attending the United States Naval Academy. Bill also was in the United States Naval Reserve. His life greatly changed while working at Nalleys. He met a young executive secretary, Joyce, a single mother with three very little boys. They were soon married and Bill gladly raised these three little boys with open heart and was committed to being" their DAD". Soon a fourth son was born and the family was complete. He guided these young men and continued to guide them until his death from lung cancer. His last Sunday on this earth was shared with his sons, and a football game and a light meal He is survived by his sons David and Diane Russell of Brush Prairie Washington, Howard and Nicki Russell or Lakewood, Mark Russell of Puyallup, Bill and Shonna Russell of Yelm Washington. He has six grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and three soon to be born great grandchildren. Bill's careers included management at the Nalley Pickle Plant, real estate sales, tax preparation and truck driving for Scotts Trucking. He loved to fish with his boys, he loved to bowl, college and professional sports were his passion. He could quote sport statistics until his last day Viewing is scheduled for Friday, November 16th, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Piper Morley Funeral Home The Rosary will follow. His funeral Mass is to be celebrated at St Aloysius Chapel at Bellarmine High School, Saturday, November 17th 2012 at 12:00 Noon with a reception to follow. Bill was an extremely proud life time member of the Bellarmine Boosters and was a member in numerous service organizations throughout Tacoma