William Russell

William David Russell was born on May 17, 1947 in Ashland, Kentucky to William and Forest Rose Russell. He had two older sisters, Rosalyn Fraley and Carolyn Tweddell. He moved with his family to Charlotte, North Carolina and then later to Dallas, Texas. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. He and his father were season ticket holders of the Dallas Cowboys during their inaugural season in the NFL.

He attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he graduated with a business degree and ran track. It was at SFA that he met the love of his life, Patsy Russell. They were married after college and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2021.

He moved his family to Orlando, Florida in 1978 and worked in the auto parts sales business for 40 years. It was there that David and Patsy and their 3 boys called home. He loved his family! His true passion was coaching and watching his sons play football, basketball, and baseball. He gave many volunteer hours to Pop Warner football and Altamonte Little League along with Lake Brantley High School sports.

He and Patsy spent his retirement years traveling, cruising, and visiting family. The Spring Lake Elementary retirees made him an honorary member of their group. He enjoyed landscaping his yard and had the distinguishing honor of receiving Yard of the Month sign often. His free time was spent playing the guitar, harmonica, and swimming for exercise. David even became an avid ballroom dancer.

He was preceded in death by his son, Aaron Russell. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Russell, his sons and their spouses J.D. and Ashley Russell, Regan and Shannon Russell, and 5 grandchildren: Jax, Ansley, Bailey, Braden, Rylan.