Paul Alexander Russell, longtime resident and former business owner of Mexia, passed away Aug. 4, 2017 in Dallas at the age of 89. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 7 at Northcrest Church of Christ with Mr. Robin Wright officiating. Interment was in the Point Enterprise Cemetery with Graveside Masonic Rites. Grandsons, Andy Russell, Chris Russell, Justin Huggins, Cole Huggins, Whalen Garza and Garrett Uptmore served as pallbearers.
Paul was born June 10, 1928 in Groesbeck to Elmer O. and Ether Williams Russell. He was a graduate of Mexia High School, Class of 1947 and of Westminister College in Tehuacana. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. He owned and operated Mexia Radio & TV Shop for many years and retired from the Mexia State Supported Living Center Maintenance Department after over 20 years of service, at the age of 85.
Paul married the love of his life, Marie Jones, on Oct. 20, 1956 in Mexia; they were blessed with four children, Larry, Lisa, Leann and Laura. His love for his family just grew more as the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along. He always enjoyed family gatherings and, just so happened, he always had a project for them to help him do. He was not one who believed in being idle, he was a hard worker and wanted to keep busy. Paul also enjoyed raising cattle, vegetable gardening, fishing, playing 42 and traveling.
In his younger years, he played first base for a local men’s team. While playing a game on the middle field, at Hughes Park, Paul hit the ball to the swimming pool and became the record holder for the longest ball hit out of the park.
Paul’s love for the Lord, family, friends and even strangers was exemplified in the way he lived his life. He was willing to help anyone at any time. He was a longtime active member of the Northcrest Church of Christ and a 50 year member of the Springfield Masonic Lodge #74.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dan, Henry Lee and Virgil Russell; and sister, Eva Mae Powell.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of almost 61 years, Marie Russell of Mexia; four children, Larry Russell of Mexia, Lisa Ingram of Leander, Leann Garza and husband, Anthony of Tyler and Laura Uptmore and husband, Gary of West; grandchildren, Andy Russell and wife, Micah, Phoebe McCourt and husband, Brian, Chris Russell and wife, Trisha, Jennifer Fikac and husband, Roy, Lana Gore and husband, Chris, Justin Huggins and wife Paige, Cole Huggins and wife, Amanda, Halie Huggins and fiancé, Justin Keller, Meagan Adams and husband, Russell, Melissa Garza, Whalen Garza and wife, Emily, Garrett Uptmore and Hannah Uptmore; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, James A. Russell of Baltimore, MD; sisters, Ruby Randall of Chandler and Maxine McMahon of Groesbeck; numerous nieces and nephews; and his faithful companion, Trixie.
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