William Bragg Russell

Dr. William Bragg “Billy” Russell passed away on September 15, 2016, at the age of 96. He was preceded in death by his parents James Shepherd Russell and Elizabeth Patterson Bragg Russell and his brother, James Shepherd Russell, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Day Russell and four children: William Bragg Russell, Jr. (Beth), Catherine Russell Pruett (Alan), Elizabeth Patterson Russell (Barry Kozak) and Thomas Bryan Russell (Kit); six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his first cousin, Betty Patterson Lewis Webb.
Born July 16, 1920, Dr. Russell was a lifelong resident of Petersburg, Virginia. He graduated from Hampden Sydney College in 1941, and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and completed officer training at Quantico Virginia. He served during WWII in the South Pacific, participating in the invasion of Iwo Jima, and was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions. After the war, he entered MCV School of Dentistry and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1951. He practiced in Petersburg, VA for 49 years.
Dr. Russell was a long-time member of Tabb Street Presbyterian Church where he was an elder, taught Sunday school for 40 years, and sang in the choir. He was a golfer and true outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He had a passion for music, leading two long-term bands; a square-dance band called the Pea Pickers, and a bluegrass band, Doc Russell’s Blades of Grass, in which he played the mandolin for 30 years.
Billy was always so full of life, very active and devoted to family and his church. He had a strong will to live and embraced life and all it offered. He was an inspiration to many and always giving of himself to others. He was well loved throughout his life and had many wonderful friends that stayed by his side until the end. We want to recognize a special person, Jim Katcham. No words could ever describe the love, devotion, and loyalty he has shown to our father.
The family would also like to thank the staff of Dunlop House and Colonial Heights Health Care Center.
A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Tabb Street Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Tabb Street Presbyterian Church, PO Box 831, Petersburg, VA 23804. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .