On September 2, 1989, Russell married Faith Benedict the love of his life. Russell and Faith were baptized on October 16, 1993. They had five children, who were the joy of Russell’s life. His children will have many good memories of doing things with daddy.
Russell worked in the construction field after moving to Ohio. He enjoyed the outdoors and everything that goes with it – hunting, camping, fishing, and was known for his “Russell’s fires.” Russell always felt very close to God while sitting in his tree stand in the peaceful morning hours.
Russell was diagnosed with cancer September 12, 2007 with a life expectancy of six to nine months. God blessed us with three years and two months of togetherness after diagnosis to make many wonderful memories. He received various treatments and surgeries traveling to Cleveland OH, Texas, and OSU. Through it all he accepted God’s perfect plan for his life and praised God. Russell was anointed on two occasions from which he received great comfort. On November 15, 2010, surrounded by his loved ones he received the best birthday gift ever when he went to be with his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by his wife Faith of 21 years; five children, Hannah Brooke 18, Corbin Brett 14, Carly Beth 10, Brendan Guy 7, and Reuben Mark 4; parents Lester and Rozetta Wray; Mother-in-law Joan Benedict; one Brother Jerry and his wife Nancy; two sisters, Norma Jean and her husband Dennis Stamy, Larisa and her husband Daryl Strike; four brothers-in-law, Dale and his wife Karen, Joel and his wife Tara, Jeremy and his wife Michelle, and Nevin Benedict; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and father-in-law Mark Benedict.
There will be a service held on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Painter Creek Old German Baptist Brethren Church on Schnorf Jones Rd. with Ken Hopkins and Kirby Crist officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery, Darke County, Ohio. Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 1-5 and 6-8 PM at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio.
It is the wishes of the family that memorial contributions be given to the Miami County Hospice or American Cancer Association.
