Billy Russell

Services are scheduled at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 1st at First Baptist Church for Billy Joe Russell of Artesia, New Mexico. PMr. Russell, 75, died Friday, April 27, 2007 at Covenant Specialty Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. PRev. Rick Sullivan will officiate at the services with burial at the Nocona Cemetery in Nocona Texas. The interment will be Wednesday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Johnny Fowler, Robert Rodriguez, Wade Johnson, Tracy Richardson, Ricky Russell, and Scott White. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Rhodes, James Guy, and Floyd Anderson. PVisitation will be at Terpening amp; Son Mortuary Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m. PMr. Russell was born September 6, 1931 in Bowie, Texas; the son of Ed Russell and Marine Pigg Russell. PHe served in the United States Army during the Korean War. POn Feb. 25, 1955 he was married to Ineta White in Nocona. He came to Artesia in 1961 from Hobbs, N.M. PHe was an Owner and Operator of Bird Enterprises and for 34 years the store manager for Bethlehem Steel. He also was a member of First Baptist Church, Past president of the Artesia Rotary Club, past president of Parents and Boosters, and served on the City Counsel for 2 years. PBilly was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Bob Russell.
Survivors include his wife Ineta Russell of the family home; son Randy Russell and wife Emma Lou of Frisco, Texas; daughter Debbie Richardson and husband Bill of Celina, Texas; sister Patsy Ehlert of Centerville, Texas; grandchildren Brandon and Ashley Russell of Frisco, and Courtney and Mike Richardson of Celina.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Baptist Children's Home, PO Drawer 629, Portales, NM 88130.