Billy Mack Russell (10/27/43 – 05/11/22)

Billy Mack Russell, 78, of Bodcaw, Arkansas, passed away on May 11, 2022, at his home. He was born on October 27, 1943, in Camden, Arkansas, to Troy Russell and Hazel (Martin) Russell.

Billy worked for several companies during his life, retiring from Firestone Building Products in Prescott, Arkansas, where he worked for almost forty years.

Hundreds of people called him “Bro. Billy” or “Bro. Billy Mack,” as he pastored two churches in Nevada County over four decades. After pastoring Laneburg Baptist Church, he became the pastor at Corinth Baptist Church in Bodcaw. He ministered there for thirty-seven years.

Billy grew up on farmland and his family relied upon the land to provide most of their sustenance. It’s no wonder that he became and remained an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as gardening and farming. Many years ago, he built a deer camp next to his home so friends and family could enjoy hunting together. That building later became his shed, where he spent a lot of time woodworking. Several handmade woodworking projects can be found in his home and in the homes of family members.

The middle of five children, he was preceded in death by his parents, as well as two brothers, Troyce Dean Russell, who passed away in 1958, at the age of 18, and Jimmy Don Russell, who passed away in 2001, at the age of 59. He was also preceded in death by the love of his life, Peggy Russell, who passed away on December 16, 2020. In addition to these loved ones, also greeting him in heaven was a granddaughter, Kristen Russell, and two great-grandchildren, Brayden Russell and Elliott Baldwin.

Billy is survived by three children and their spouses: Carol Russell Camp and husband Kenny, of Stamps, Arkansas; Jeff Russell and wife Sandy, of Bodcaw, Arkansas; and Jonathan Russell and wife Mandy, of Milton, Florida. He’s also survived by a brother, Jack Russell, of Searcy, Arkansas, and a sister, Becky Dianis, of Magnolia, Arkansas. Billy leaves behind six grandchildren: Reed Camp and wife Stacy, of Hope, Arkansas; Kaci Bennett and husband Wes, of Texarkana, Arkansas; Matt Russell and wife Ashlee, of Bodcaw, Arkansas; Kaitlin Baldwin of Magnolia, Arkansas; Jake Russell of Milton, Florida; and Cameron Russell of Milton, Florida. These children and grandchildren provided 14 great-grandchildren who survive him today.

Carol, Jeff, and Jonathan wish to extend a special “Thank you” to the staff of Hospice of Texarkana for their care of Billy over the past couple of months. They also wish to thank Billy’s granddaughter-in-law, Ashlee Russell, and her mom, Ann Benefield, who took care of him so well during the days and nights.

A graveside service to celebrate Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, May 28th, at 10:00 AM, at Falcon Cemetery.