Pastor William L. Russell, 95, of Connersville, went to be with his Lord on April 25, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on September 24, 1926 in Jackson County, Kentucky to Sherman and Martha Fox Russell.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Louise Russell, who he married August 6, 1949 in Peppertown, Indiana. They served the city of Connersville together for over 65 years in pastoral ministry, touching the lives of many, young and old alike.
A veteran, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy.
William worked unselfishly for his family and for the gospel message of Jesus Christ. He was a man of prayer and devotion. He began his pastoral ministry at the Eastside Pentecostal Church and then transferred to Park Road Pentecostal Church where he led the congregation through an amazing time of growth and expansion. He was one of the founders of the Eastern Indiana Pentecostal Fellowship that is still touching lives today. He, along with his wife and eldest son, founded a new ministry in 1980 now known as PTC Ministries. Located in Connersville, PTC Ministries is currently being led by his youngest son and is touching many areas around the world.
During his years of ministry, he also worked outside the church. He spent time at a few local factories, ultimately ending up at HH Robertson for 38 years until his retirement.
He will be greatly missed by his family, including five daughters, Patty King, Dorris Turner, Marcella (Mark) Ketcham, Rosealie Witt, and Gloria (James) Urban; eight sons, Phillip (Donna) Russell, Donald (Carol) Russell, Leroy (Mary) Russell, Tim (Teresa) Russell, Arnold (Coleen) Russell, Michael (Georgia) Russell, Alvin (Lisa) Russell, and Ronald (Debbie) Russell; 36 grandchildren, 81 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren; and five sisters, Vera Whitt, Ethel Graham, Wilda Lawson, Carol Rose, and Della Mae Kincaid.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Myrtle Louise Russell, who went to be with her Lord April 3, 2018; two brothers, David Russell and Albert Russell; two sisters, Nora Humbarger and Edna Loman; a son-in-law, Gary Witt; two grandsons, Nathan Marcum and Travis Ketcham; and one great grandson, Ezra Abrams.
Friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2022 at PTC Ministries located at 1892 W. State Rd 44, Connersville. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 29, 2022 at PTC Ministries with William’s sons, Ron, Phil, Tim, and Don Russell, officiating. Burial with military honors conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council will follow at Dale Cemetery. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Pastor William L. Russell’s legacy continues to live on through his family and all the lives he touched through ministry. His task is completed; his race is won. Surely, he has entered his eternal dwelling with these words from the Father, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”