Otis Russell

Otis Russell Jr. was born on February 20, 1945 in Coosa County, Alabama He was the tenth of eleven children born to the union of Otis and Archie D. Russell, His parents, brothers; James Hardy, O'Neil, Bubba, Samuel, Jake and General; sisters Annie Ruth and Dannie preceded him in death. At an early age, Otis confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined the Friendship Baptist Church in Alexander City, Alabama. After moving to California he became a member and Deacon at the Chapel Grove Missionary Church in Pasadena, California. After returning to Alabama he reunited with the Friendship Baptist Church family, Otis was a faithful member until his health failed him. Otis attended Laurel High School, in Alexander City. In 1965 he joined the United States Army and served the majority of his lime in Thailand. After leaving the military he lived in California for a short time with his sister and brother·inlaw (Sadie and Floyd) then returned to Alabama, He attended Opelika College where he studied cabinetry. He also attended Pasadena City College. Otis was formerly married to Sarah Nell Brooks and from that union two children were bom; Sharon and Ricky Tyrone. He later ...[more]

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rried Angie Lee Starks and to that union two daughters were born; Pamela and Angelique. Otis worked for the Pasadena Unified School District and retired after 22 Years of service. Otis was a very generous and sensitive soul. He enjoyed the simple life and a couple of years after retirement he decided to return to his birthplace, He loved being around family, attending church, gardening, fishing and going to the races. He would give his last to help his family. He loved talking to the youth and giving advice on many subjects. His desire for his children was for them to be God fearing, educated, independent and decent Individuals. Otis moved to his heavenly home on Saturday, September 11, 2010. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Angie, four daughters: Sharon Johnson (David), Pamela Russell, Angelique Russell and Elizabeth Moore (James) whom he raised as his own, one son: Ricky Tyrone Russell and two stepsons: James Robert Moore Jr. and Raymond Starks. Three grandsons and two granddaughters; two sisters; Sadie Demus (Floyd) of Pasadena, California and Celessie Stephenson of Chicago, Illinois; one brother; Winfred Russell (Freda) of Alexander City, Alabama; one uncle; Robert (Bill) Smith; three sister-in-Iaws, Zenobia Hardy of Detroit, Michigan, Annie L. Russell of Goodwater, Alabama and Ella Russell of Goodwater, Alabama; a special niece Dannette Mattocks and a host of other nephews, nieces and friends. Interment: Old Friendship Cemetery.