Billy E. Russell

Bill E. Russell, 84, retired Research and Development Chemist for Phillips Petroleum, passed away Sunday morning at 6:45AM at his home in Bartlesville, OK. Bill was born October 1, 1931 to parents John and Ruth (Rowe) Russell in Davis, OK. Bill attended Davis Schools, and had fond memories of ranch life in Murray County, Oklahoma. Bill always loved his cowboy roots and considered himself a rancher at heart. He loved rodeos, and he even did some calf roping when he was in high school. Bill was a member of the 1949 graduating class of Davis High, where he was named the All Around Outstanding Athlete for that year. Following graduation, Bill enrolled at East Central State University in Ada, OK where he attended for three years until being drafted in the U.S. Army in 1953. While in the military, Bill served as an MP. After his service to his country, Bill took a job with Phillips Petroleum in Borger, TX. On October 16, 1955, Bill married June Hunt in Pampa, TX. In 1969 Bill was transferred to Toledo, OH. In 1979, Bill was again transferred, this time to Bartlesville, OK where he spent the remainder of his career, retiring from Phillips Petroleum in 1986. He then became a consultant for Phillips after his retirement, which he did for a number of years. Bill enjoyed OU football and he liked being outdoors. In his younger days he was a Boy Scout, and as an adult he remained active in scouting, serving as a Scout Master when he was in Texas. Bill loved to visit with people and he loved telling stories about his life, his career, his travels, and about those wonderful times growing up on a ranch in Davis, OK. Bill is survived by his wife June of 60 years, his son Bill W. and wife Janet Russell of Victoria, TX; Grandson John Russell of Berkley, CA; Brother Johnny Ross Russell of Norman, OK; Sister Patsy Carter of Davis, OK; and Sister-In-Law Judy Tipton and her husband Larry of Columbus, MT. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 2PM in the Stumpff Funeral Home Chapel, 1600 S.E. Washington Bartlesville, OK 74006. Graveside Rites with Military Honor Guard will be Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 11:30 AM in the Green Hill Cemetery in Davis, OK. Friends who wish may sign the online guest book and leave condolences at www.stumpff.org.

Billy E. Russell

October 1, 1931 - November 22, 2015