Jessie Babe William Russell, 80, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2013 in Lake Charles, LA.
Babe was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Bob and Estella Tee Russell of Moorhead, MS and his wife, Joyce Russell.
He is survived by his daughter, Sheila and her husband Lawrence Babineaux; his three sons, Bill Russell and his wife Pam, Tim Russell and his wife Betty Jean, all of Lake Charles, his son Stan Russell and his wife Keisha of Carrolton, MS. He had six grandchildren, Jessica Fontenot, Timmy Russell, Trevor Russell, Madeline Russell of Lake Charles, LA, Morgan Russell of Houston, TX, and McKenzie Russell of Carrollton, MS; his two brothers, Harris Russell and his wife Marietta, Bobby Russell and his wife Ella, all from Mississippi; his sister, Shirley and her husband Sam Stalvey of Dallas, TX.
Babe married his wife of forty-seven years, Joyce Pittman Russell who preceded him in death July 9, 2000.
Babe was a dedicated Christian family man, making God and his church a significant part of his and his family's way of life. He enjoyed his self-appointed job as being the Sunday morning worship Greeter. He never met a stanger and never passed an opportunity to shake a hand.
Babe was a Master Mason, Shriner and a Deacon at East Ridge Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA. Babe knew at an early age that he had a deep love for his country. He joined the National Guard and spent his 18th birthday fighting for the freedom of his country. Babe was honored to serve in the Army during the Korean Conflict where his duty was that of a medic driving an ambulance to the front lines of war to save his fallen warriors.
Babe retired to Louisiana after losing his wife, Joyce, in 2000, but he wasn't quite ready to sit back in a Lazy Boy. He met a young man running for Sheriff of Calcasieu Parish, Tony Mancuso. He was impressed by the young man and decided to join in the campaign to get him elected. Babe loved joking that, he had worn holes in two pair of tennis shoes during the campaign. Soon after Sheriff Mancuso was elected, Babe was still not ready to sit in the Lazy Boy, he was hired by the sheriff to work at the Prison Farm, where Babe ran a special detail crew of trustee inmates. These inmates called themselves Mr. Babe's Crew and he enjoyed taking them all over Calcasieu Parish cutting grass at shelters and cemeteries. Babe decided to retire from his much love job to go sit in that Lazy Boy.
Babe couldn't sit still long before starting his own backyard garden, growing vegetables that he gave away to family and friends. His life tragically changed May 2, 2012 when he fell and received a traumatic brain injury after an afternoon of gardening.
Babe fought many battles in his life, but he began his most difficult on this tragic day. He spent four months in the hospital being cared for by his wonderful surgeon, Dr. Eric Wolf.
Babe fought hard and was able to go home in August of 2012. He was a true fighter with a stubborn streak in him that would not give up. He was cared for by a wonderful, caring doctor, Brian Barootes and his nurse Brandy. They were there to answer every call and cheered at every accomplishment Babe made. Babe fought strong but lost his battle. He was tired and worn out. He walked the last mile like no other warrior could have, but this battle he couldn't win. Babe passed away Saturday, April 27, 2013.
His funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Doug Russell will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and continue on Friday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service.
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