Willis Oliver Russell

Willis Oliver Russell, age 85, of Keller, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on June 6, 1939, in Pittsburg, Texas, to Clyde and Norma Lee Russell, Willis lived a life defined by faith, family, and service.

Raised on a farm near Pittsburg, Willis spent his early years working alongside his siblings, tending to cotton, corn, sweet potatoes, and truck crops. These formative experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic that carried throughout his life.

A proud alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his BBA, Willis also pursued postgraduate studies and earned his MBA at UT Arlington. His academic pursuits laid the foundation for a career marked by leadership and dedication. He served as Vice President of Operations and later Division President of US Foodservice, retiring in 2002. Willis also served two terms as Mayor of DeSoto, Texas, and held prominent roles such as President of the Greater Dallas League of Municipalities, President of the DeSoto Development Corporation, Director of Watauga State Bank, and Director of the Keller Chamber of Commerce.

Willis was deeply committed to his faith and community, serving as a deacon and elder in multiple Church of Christ congregations across Texas and Oklahoma. His dedication to spreading the word of God and helping others was central to his life.

An avid fan of the Texas Longhorns, Willis found joy in cheering for his favorite teams, playing golf, and working in his yard. Willis also loved to travel and share his experiences with family and friends. 

Willis was a man of wisdom and humor who often reflected on the blessings of his life. He overcame challenges with grace and developed into a leader known for his generosity, humility, and kindness. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Norma Lee Russell and his brother Lloyd Russell.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Diane Russell; his children, Brent (Kathy) Russell of Rogers, AR, Robert (Cory) Russell of OKC, Oklahoma, and Karen (Chad) Campbell of Keller, TX; and his grandchildren, Dallas Russell (Joanna), Caden Campbell (Madelyn), Kelci Skiles (Carter), Ellee Campbell, Emery Campbell, and Patrick Russell. He is also survived by his siblings, Clyde Russell (Bellaire, TX), Dorothy Chrisner (Austin, TX), Gerald Russell (Round Rock, TX); and his sisters-in-law, Lynell Russell (Round Rock, TX) and Elaine Amos (Arlington, TX).

Willis’s memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and countless lives he touched. He will be remembered for his steadfast faith, love for his family, and tireless efforts to serve his community.

A visitation will be held on January 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM at the Keller Church of Christ.

“Study your Bible, obey its teachings; live like you expect to go to heaven, and treat everyone as you would a close friend.” - Willis Oliver Russell