Arthur Russell

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course.

I have kept the faith.

II Timothy 4:7

Mr. Arthur Ray Russell , a lifelong resident of Bastrop County, Texas, was born October 12, 1936, to Ollie and Pearlie Russell in Bastrop County. Arthur was the youngest of 12 children, four boys and 8 girls.

Arthur Ray attended the public schools of Bastrop County and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.  He was remembered by his classmates as a football star. Arthur accepted Christ at an early age, uniting with the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Elgin, Texas, where he sung in the choir.

As many of the young men of Elgin, Arthur went to work at Elgin Butler Brick Company upon graduation.  He was proven to be a hard-working young man and after about sixty faithful years, he retired.

Arthur Ray was united in marriage to Lorine Thomas and to this union five children were born, Donald Ray, Ulander Janet, Lee Morris, Michael Bernard, and Kenneth Paul.

In 1967, Arthur met and was united in Holy Matrimony to Alice Cook and her three-year daughter, Diann.

Arthur Ray was a God-fearing, soft spoken, quiet man, who loved his family. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends and spoiling grandbabies and there were no boundaries for the great grands.

On March 25, 2022, Mr. Arthur Ray heard the voice of Jesus and left his earthly tabernacle.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Ollie, and Pearlie Russell, three brother: Alfred, O. L., and Walter Lee Russell; seven sisters: Thelma Henderson, Perrine Hall, Lee Ethel Howard, Doris Clay, Bernice Hunter, Willie B Craney, and Elsie M. Penson; and one son, Lee Morris Russell. Arthur led a rewarding and active life as he desired.

Mr. Arthur Ray Russell leaves in God’s hands to cherish his legacy: his devoted wife of fifty-five years, Alice C. Russell of Bastrop, three sons: Donald Ray Russell and his wife, Diane of Porterville, California, Michael Bernard Russell of Austin, and Kenneth Paul Russell of Elgin; two daughters: Ulander Janet Russell of San Leandro, California; and Diann C. and her husband, Bradley Deere of Bastrop; fourteen grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren, one sister, Verna L. Henderson of Atlanta, Georgia; a multitude of nieces and nephews spanning to four to five generations, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Arthur Ray Russell will lie in state at Elgin Funeral Home, Friday, April 1st from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM.  A Home Going Celebration will be conducted at Elgin Funeral Home, Saturday, April 2nd at 11:00 AM with Pastor Phillip Alexander presiding.  Interment will be at Sayers Cemetery.