George Lee Russell, 77, of Bluford, Illinois, passed away at 1:31 pm December 2, 2022, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois.
He was born July 4, 1945, in Bluford to the late Ray and Vera (Williams) Russell. George married Gwendolyn Sue (Pigg) Russell on September 26, 1964, in Mount Vernon. They were blessed with 58 years of marriage.
In addition to his beloved wife, George is survived by his daughters, Cindy Poston and husband, Randy of Mount Vernon and Angela “Jean” Barbee and husband, Rick of O’Fallon, Illinois; grandchildren, Robert Poston and significant other, Jessica Edwards of Highland, Illinois, Richard “Rick” Poston of Mount Vernon, Adam Barbee of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Andrew Barbee of O’Fallon; great-grandchildren, Blake Poston, Shane Poston, and Laila Poston, all of Highland; sisters, Margie Lappin of Waltonville, Illinois and Helen Maxey of Salem, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his siblings, Charles Russell, Louise Phelps, Dorothy Tittle, and Donald Russell; and special nephew and friend, Marvin Phelps. George was born and raised in Bluford.
He spent his life on the same land he grew up on. Surrounded by cattle and his pond, George was passionate about his farm and fishing. His love for fishing was passed on to his entire family. His loved ones have endless memories of the time shared on the water with George. His focus was always on his family. George was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His loving heart and contagious smile will be cherished by all left to carry on his memory.
A Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2022, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 pm with Pastor Gale Lowery officiating. Interment will follow at East Hickory Hill Cemetery in Bluford. Memorials may be made in George’s honor to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
