Russell James Williams

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Russell James Williams was born May 25, 1939, in Paincourtville, LA to Calvin Sr. and Lucille Williams. Russell was one of eight children. As a young child, he valued respect and requested that people address him as Mr. Williams. He accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at First Israel Baptist Church. Russell graduated from W. H. Reed High School in Napoleonville, LA.

Russell moved to the Southside of Chicago in 1958, where he met the love of his life, Shirley M. Buck. Married in 1961, God blessed their union with four beautiful children, Darryl, Byron, Mark, and Wanda. Together for 61 years, it was a marriage of a lifetime. In 1963, Russell and Shirley joined Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago under the late Rev. A. P. Jackson. Russell later joined their usher board, which was the perfect fit as he loved directing and giving instructions. 

Russell had a passion for repairing things with his hands and enrolled in trade school while doing construction work with his uncles. In 1971, Russell joined the Chicago Transit Authority, where he would serve as bus operator, shop tractor operator, and an electrician until his retirement in 1997. Russell had a strong compassion for helping those less fortunate. During cold winter nights he would allow the homeless to ride on the back of the bus to escape the cold.  During those 26 years, he was a mentor and educator to the younger generation of electricians. So many looked up to him, admiring his discipline and dedication. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 134.

Russell was actively involved in the community. He served as precinct captain in the 21st Ward on Chicago’s Southside. The crowning achievement of Russell’s voter registration efforts led to the election of Chicago’s first Black Mayor in 1983, Mayor Harold Washington.

On and off the job Russell was a father to many, especially the children in the neighborhood. Russell was known for his distinctively fast walking style which the neighborhood kids could spot blocks away and would be heard saying “Here comes Mr. Williams.” His passion for mentoring extended beyond the neighborhood children.  Russell and Shirley were founding members of Mr. and Mrs. Elite Social Club, established in 1985. The club was comprised of family and close friends, supporting each other and taking the younger couples under their wings providing an example of marriage and how to be a strong and supportive husband and father. Russell loved his family and genuinely cared about others.

Russell had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He was affectionally known as “Papa,” never missing a grandparent’s day, school musical, birthday or sporting event. His grandchildren would know when their Papa was at the game because he was by far the loudest voice in the stands. Some would say he treated Pee Wee baseball like a major league game which would prompt lots of stares and elbow nudges to quiet down from his children. Papa also earned the title of the family fixer. According to his grandchildren, there was nothing that Papa couldn’t fix, from chairs, irons, bikes, big wheels and bat mobiles. Papa’s favorite tool of choice was Duct Tape. If Papa could not fix it, then it can’t be fixed.

Russell made a peaceful transition into eternity on Saturday, April 1, 2023. He is proceeded in death by his loving parents; his son, Dr. Mark E. Williams Sr., siblings Floyd, Calvin Jr., Carroll, Victoria, Leroy, McNeal and Alton.

He leaves to cherish his memory: devoted wife Shirley; children: Darryl, Byron (Sharon Baker), Wanda Nash (Martice) and daughter-in-law Stephanie; grandchildren: Christopher, Mark Jr. and Madison; sisters: Mary Levy (Jerome) and Ruth Maxine Brown (Calvin); sister-in-law Rita Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.