Rev. William Carter Russell, Jr.

Bill Russell was called to his eternal reward on the afternoon of Friday, August 13, 2021. He was aged 81 years and was at home with his loving wife, Joyce, engaged in his favorite activity, preparing a sermon for the coming Sunday. Bill was born on May 17, 1940 to William Carter and Neva Barbara (Ferguson) Russell in Waynesville, NC, the youngest of four siblings. He was raised in a loving Christian home, accepted Jesus as his LORD and Savior and was baptized at the age of eleven. In 1959 he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force and served honorably for four years. He was stationed in diverse locations including South Korea and Grand Forks, ND. While stationed in Grand Forks he met his future wife Joyce Margaret Kerian. He became a member of the Catholic Church and married Joyce in June of 1964. They moved to Greensboro, NC and raised two sons, Thomas and Michael. Throughout his life he held many jobs, doing what needed to be done to provide for his family. He also followed the leading of his heart and ministered to the LORD's people. In 1980 Bill and his family moved to Grafton, ND. They became members of the Assemblies of God and Bill was awarded a License to Preach in 1984. He was accepted as Pastor of the Prospect, Oregon Assembly of God in 1987 where he served for seven years. He was officially ordained as a minister in the Assemblies of God in 1991. Bill and Joyce moved to Eugene, OR in 1995 where Bill served as a volunteer associate pastor at Willamette Christian Center. He served in various capacities at both Teen Challenge in Eugene and Love of Lane County. In recent months he was given the opportunity to serve as an elder for the Junction City campus of Willamette Christian Center. He was engaged in preparing his first sermon for them when God called him home. Bill is survived by his wife Joyce, his two sons Thomas and Michael, and four grandchildren Caleb, Mikey, Parker, and Katie. His life's testimony was “God is Faithful.” There will be a Memorial service held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at the Willamette Christian Center.