William J. Russell Sr., a native of Nansemond County, departed this life on Aug. 14, 2014, at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk.

He retired from International Paper.

He leaves to cherish fond memories: four daughters, Lisa Patron, of Suffolk, Debra Custis (Levin III), of Baltimore, Md., Lillie Jones and Pamela Russell, both of Suffolk; four sons, William J. Russell Jr. (Lizzie), Wade Russell, James Dean Russell and Gregory Underwood, all of Suffolk; one brother, Anthony Russell Sr. (Linda), of Franklin; two sisters; Eula Hunter (Jerome), of Suffolk, and Brenda Diggs, of Emporia; 16 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends at 4980 Holy Neck Road, Suffolk. The processional on Wednesday will leave from 6209 Leafwood Road.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday from 1 to 8 p.m. at Hunter’s Funeral Home in Gates, N.C. (701 Highway 158 W.)

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at 1 p.m. at Laurel Hill United Church of Christ. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Services have been entrusted to Hunter’s Funeral Home in Gates.