Russell Wilson's Obituary
On September 8, 1942, Mr. Russell Wilson was born to the late Mosie Lee Wilson and John Carroll Williams in Birmingham, Alabama. He entered into his eternal rest on August 4, 2022, in Dallas, Texas.
Russell was born during the height of World War II and grew up in the era of Jim Crow Laws and the Civil Rights Movement. Birmingham is a rich part of the Civil Rights era history, including routine life events of Russell’s that are now considered an integral part of history we read about today.
Russell grew up a few short blocks from the location of the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, and participated in many protests and sit-ins, resulting in water hose sprayings and dogs being unleashed on demonstrators, all because of the color of their skin.
Russell’s primary education took place in Birmingham, after which, he was drawn to the U.S. Army, where he served for 20 years. Russell, or “Rob”, as he was affectionately called, was stationed in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg North Carolina where he was a paratrooper. His career eventually led him to Germany before he ultimately settled in California, serving as a recruiter in Bakersfield and Compton. During his final years of service, Russell obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Business from California State University, Long Beach.
Russell went on to work for the State of California Veterans Affairs Employment Development Department as a manager assisting veterans in job placement. After twenty-five years of service to the State of California, Russell decided to retire.
In his spare time, he enjoyed listening to jazz, soul, and R&B, going to hear live music and reading. Russell was an exercise enthusiast and loved long bike rides, jogging and physical activity. He had the pleasure of attending the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, California, as well as the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Russell is preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Wilson Scroggins and Jewel Wilson Scroggins of Birmingham, Alabama. He leaves to cherish his memory, one son, Russell Wilson II (Jennifer) of Murphy, TX, and two daughters, Lalanii Wilson Jones of Rockwall, TX, and Gianina Erin Wilson of Brooklyn, NY. Russell leaves four grandchildren and six great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He will be missed.
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