Paradise, Calif. -
Born, January 17, 1921, Died, June 8, 2008 - Richard Byron Russell passed away in Paradise, California. He was a resident of Magalia since 1988. Richard was born in Locksburg, Arkansas of Orin Austin and Cora Bell (Cobb) Russell. He moved to Weed, California in 1936, graduating from Weed High School in 1938. He served in the Navy Sea Bees (Construction Battalion) in the South Pacific Theater in World War II. He is survived by his widow, Marlene of Magalia; his sons Ron Russell in Sacramento, Duane Russell of Live Oak, Steve Russell of Redding and Gary Davidson of Chico. His former spouse Gladys Jean O’Donley-Russell preceded him in death in 1987. He is also survived by three granddaughters; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Laura Davis, Hazel Shelton and Naomi Russell and one brother, George Russell. Surviving siblings include his sisters, Louise Frye of Knob Noster, Missouri, Helen Flora of Elko, Nevada and his brother Chet of Albany, Oregon.Richard enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman. He loved gardening and reading, especially the Bible.While residing in Weed, Richard worked for the Weed High School as a custodian, Long Bell Lumber, and for many years as a postal worker at the Weed Post Office and postmaster in Grenada. Graveside services will be held at the Glen Oaks Cemetery in Chico today, June 11 at 11 a.m.
