Richard Troy Russell's Obituary
Richard Troy Russell, age 76, passed away on July 29, 2023, at his home.
Richard was born on September 6, 1946, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, the son of Ralph Taylor Russell and Opal Pauline (Randell) Russell. After graduating from Charles Page High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1964. During his 8-year enlistment, he received promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War.
He married Marla Kay Hammer on February 14, 1969, in Decatur, Illinois.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1972, Richard and Marla made Decatur their home. Richard began working at Wagner Castings in 1973 where he served faithfully as a millwright for over 30 years and was one of the last employees to clock out when it closed its doors in 2005.
Richard is perhaps most well-known for his love of grease, gears, horsepower, and burnt rubber. For over 50 years, he was known throughout Central Illinois as a fierce competitor both on and off the drag strip. Over the years, his summers were spent racing cars, trucks, and motorcycles at his favorite tracks including Motion Raceway in Assumption, Coles County Dragway in Charleston, and Central Illinois Dragway in Havana. During the off-seasons, he invested countless hours in adjusting and improving his own craft while building engines and life-long friendships with others.
Richard is survived by his former wife and friend, Marla (Hammer) Russell, Decatur, IL; son, Troy (Shawne) Russell, Antwerp, OH; daughter, Jenny Seitz, Mt. Zion, IL; sisters, Phyllis (Russell) Crafton, Tioga, TX, and Brenda (Russell/Shipley) Patterson, Sand Springs, OK; brother, Dale Russell, Hulbert, OK; grandchildren, Allison (Drew) Lancaster, Haley Russell, Ashley Russell, Sicily Seitz, and Aidan Seitz; great-grandchildren, Lane, Sawyer, Zayne, Finley, and Archer.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Sherman C. Tiffey, Betty (Russell) Welch, and Harold “Dean” Russell; and his beloved pets, Kiwi, Baby, and Max.
A Celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. His children request that his racing family and friends wax, shine, and show their finest hot rods at the visitation to honor their dad’s passion and legacy.
Richard will be interred with his comrades in a private burial with military honors at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to DRAW (Drag Racing Association of Women) in honor of Richard Russell - http://www.drawfasthelp.org/donate.html. DRAW is a volunteer organization whose motto is “Fast Help for Fast Friends.” Their sole mission is to provide support to individuals that have been involved in a drag racing accident at a track. They have provided over $2.25 million in financial assistance to over 500 racing families, including Richard, since 1985.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?