Leslie Wayne Russell, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Monterey on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
He was born to Boatner and Lona Russell in Jena, Louisiana, October 3, 1940.
Wayne lived his faith at home, in the oilfield, and in the world. He worked many years in the oilfield industry from the time he graduated high school until he semi-retired in 2015. In the fall of 2015 at the age of 75, God did a new thing and let Wayne discover a talent he did not know he had. Out of stress and boredom, he discovered a love for woodworking when he cut a cypress knee and carved a duck. After almost 60 years in the oilfield, who would have ever dreamed that God had another plan?
Wayne had a true entrepreneurial spirit. He was co-founder of Southern Oil Tools and founded Russell Packers and Services, Cross Bayou Campground, and Papaw’s Duck Nest. Throughout these endeavors, he prioritized his faith and his relationship with each person he met. When you met Wayne, you left as a friend.
He was a faithful member of Lismore Baptist Church and was the doorman greeter for many years. His infectious smile and his welcoming outgoing spirit will be remembered by many.
Wayne’s family was at the heart of his life, and he loved them fiercely. He was a wonderful loving husband who always put his wife’s needs first. From saying the blessing before each meal, teaching his granddaughters to drive in his truck, riding on the pontoon boat and tractor, sharing his love of woodworking, and teaching them to fish, Papaw showed his family his faith and love.
His great sense of humor, sentimental spirit, and giving nature was shown in everything he did.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Maxine Cooper; and his grandson Beau Samuel Russell.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Wilma; his three sons, David Russell and wife Penney, Mike Russell and wife Jeanette, and Jason Russell and wife Amber. He has several grandchildren, Shelby Parrish, Sara Russell and husband Michael Long, Ashley Russell, Jessica Emfinger and husband Jake, Shelly Collinson and husband Chris, and Brooklyn Russell. God blessed him with four great-grandchildren, Gage May, Amelia Emfinger, Thomas Emfinger, and Hannah Collinson. He is also survived by a special fur-baby Sweetie Pie, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He will be remembered with love. He was a special husband, dad, papaw, brother, and friend. We have been blessed beyond words.
Going Home Celebration will be held at Lismore Baptist Church on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, with Rev. Ken Gilmore and Rev. Tony Ganey officiating. Wayne will be laid to rest following the service in the Lismore Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home.
Those honored to serve Wayne and his family as pallbearers are David Lansdale, Dillon Wickliffe, Ronnie Manson, Tate Strebeck, Paul Avery and Lane Barlow.
“I have fought the good faith, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Please note: that Mr. Wayne had a heart d below. For children so in lieu of flowers the family requests you consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.
