Steven Troy Russell Jr.

On February 19, 2025, Steven Troy Russell, Jr. age 76, of Springdale passed from this life at Willard Walker Hospice House with his dear friend, Gwyn Gillispie, at his side. Steven was born November 3, 1948, in Fayetteville, Arkansas to Steven “Troy” Russell, Sr. born in 1903, and Denny Clark Russell born in 1908. He was the youngest of two children. His father was a real estate broker and moved his family to a farm in Fayetteville shortly after Steven's birth. They lived on the family farm until Steven was in third grade and then moved to Lake Ridge Street in Fayetteville. Steven graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1967. During high school, he worked at Jim's Thrifty Mart and Dillions Grocery in Fayetteville. In 1969, Steven enlisted in the Army and began a one and one-half year study of electronics at Ft. Devens in Massachusetts. After completion, he was deployed to Turkey, and was stationed at Sinop, Turkey. While on duty in Turkey, Steven worked as an Intercept Receiver Maintenance Technician on the shore of the Black Sea. He was honorably discharged in 1972. The GI Bill provided Steven the opportunity to go to college in 1973, where he majored in administrative management. After graduating, he worked for Shipley Baking Company in Fayetteville and Fort Smith for 19 years, first serving as the office manager and then secretary-treasurer. His career then took him to the Beaver Water District where he worked for 18 years, initially in the role of senior office manager and later serving as chief financial officer. Steven retired in 2015. Steven loved being outdoors fishing, hunting, and working on his land. He had a deep passion for traveling and sailing in the Caribbean. Spending time at home and on the Caribbean Islands brought him joy and tranquility. In recent years, he cherished moments shared with Gwyn Gillispie of Neosho, Missouri. Steven is survived by his sister, Karen Jeanne Chambers; two nieces, Kim Eddins and her husband David and Robin Chambers; and one great niece, Katherine Eddins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Denny and Troy Russell. A private graveside service with United States Army Honors will be held at a later date at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Sisco Funeral Home. Please leave your online condolences at www.siscofuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be sent to the following: Willard Walker Hospice Home 325 E. Longview Street Fayetteville, AR 72703 479-463-7385 www.wregional.com/foundation/donate-online St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 800-805-5856 https://stjude.org

Steven Troy Russell Jr.

November 3, 1948 - February 19, 2025