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Claude Ray Russell

February 16, 1931 - January 23, 2021
Visitation
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home - Big Spring
Friday 1/29, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service

Services will be private.

Claude Ray Russell, 89, went to be with Jesus on January 23, 2021.  He was born in Haskell County, Texas on February 16, 1931 to Claude Jefferson and Thelma Pearl Biffle Russell.  The family moved to Howard County in 1934, where they became dry land cotton farmers.  Ray attended Cauble School and later Big Spring High School.  He proudly served three years in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict.  During his service, he served in the MP K9 unit and earned honors for marksmanship.  Ray spent the last 86 years in Howard County except for his years in the Air Force and three years in Alpine as an agricultural missionary to Mexico.  He remained active in missions to Mexico for many years. He was a member of Prairie View Baptist Church.  He served on many boards, including the Co-op Gin of Big Spring, Cap Rock Electric, Howard County Farm Bureau and ASCS.

After returning from Korea, he married the love of his life, Virginia Sue Neal, in 1956, and became a cotton farmer alongside his dad. Ray and Sue raised their five children on the family farm west of Big Spring, where he lived until his passing.  He was a licensed pilot and used to drop small parachutes with candy to his children in the cotton field.  Ray loved when his grandchildren visited and built an amazing and unique playground for them behind the farmhouse. Ray and Sue enjoyed playing golf and traveling in their later years.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, and five children:  Micheal Russell and wife Linda of Midland, Kathryn Lane of Big Spring, Cindy Stanley and husband John of Granite Shoals, Becky Cowell and husband Rob of Lubbock, and Stephanie Wolf of Big Spring, his beloved twin sister, Faye Buckingham of Georgetown, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, Big Spring, on Friday, January 29, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  A private family service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

 

Visitation
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home - Big Spring
Friday 1/29, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service

Services will be private.

Claude Ray Russell, 89, went to be with Jesus on January 23, 2021.  He was born in Haskell County, Texas on February 16, 1931 to Claude Jefferson and Thelma Pearl Biffle Russell.  The family moved to Howard County in 1934, where they became dry land cotton farmers.  Ray attended Cauble School and later Big SpringContinue Reading

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Jane Jones left a message on February 3, 2021:
Such a good man. I thank God for his life.
Joe H. Smith left a message on February 1, 2021:
My deepest condolences to Rays family and friends. Although I only met him briefly a few years ago I was very impressed by his warm personality, his humility and his sophistication. As his neighbor at the south Howard place my only regret was that I'm not a golfer. He invited me to play one time and I missed a great opportunity to be with an exceptional role model. I feel blessed to have known him!
Vivien Buckner left a message on January 29, 2021:
In memory of Claude Ray Russell, Vivien Buckner lit a candle
Kendra McAnally Vyvlecka left a message on January 28, 2021:
We are so very sorry for your loss. I remember my mom, Karen Shadle Fincher, speaking of him with such respect and love. And then finding out they had the same birthday. I know they will be celebrating together this year in the most beautiful of places. Y’all will be in our prayers
Nick Hilario Ornelas left a message on January 28, 2021:
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences. Nick Hilario Ornelas Big Spring City Council, District 1 Represenative
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Patty Hanson left a message on January 28, 2021:
In memory of Claude Ray Russell, Patty Hanson lit a candle
Dorothy L Rogers left a message on January 27, 2021:
Dear friend Sue and all your family.......my words cannot express to each of you how much I care for you and how deep my sympathy is for you at this time. This picture of Ray is so nice and such a treasure for you to remember. God bless you each with His Heavenly comfort in all the days ahead. Love, Dorothy Rogers and family, long-time friends.
Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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