Samuel “Sam” Russell, Jr. passed away peacefully May 3, 2026, at the age of 90. Sam was at his home in Early, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He had suffered from dementia for several years. A graveside memorial service for Mr. Russell will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 12, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Comanche, Texas.

Sam was born August 9, 1935 in Florence, Texas to Sam Russell, Sr. and Marguerite Casey Russell. He graduated from Winters High School and then from Texas Tech University.

Sam worked as a Butcher since he was 15 years old, retiring from Winn Dixie as Market Manager. He had also worked for JRB’s, Decker Meats and Piggly Wiggly. After retirement he traveled all over the United States and when he was able to, he volunteered at Good Samaritan Brownwood, in the food distribution area.

Sam married Mary Ruth Whitehead on August 24, 1956 in Winters, Texas. They were blessed with four children in their 33 years of marriage……Randy, Scott, Sharla and Daniel. Mary Russell passed away in 1989. Sam was blessed to find love again and married Betty Merritt. Sam and Betty were also married for 33 years, until his death.

Sam enjoyed serving as a deacon for 50 years at Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Brownwood and later at Early First Baptist Church.

Sam was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Russell; by both of his parents; his brother, Joe Russell and his stepson, Eddie Merritt. Sam is survived by his wife, Betty Russell; 3 sons, Randy Russell and Maria of Liberty Hill, Scott Russell and Donna of Blanket and Daniel Russell of Hawaii; daughter, Sharla Goodgion and Gary of Brownwood; Betty’s daughter, Cathy Hardin and Ric of Brownwood; grandchildren, Julie Hicks and Dave of Carlsbad, California and their children, Jude, Eli and Summer, Joy Crawford and Brad of Liberty Hill, Texas and their children, Piper, Leeland and Auggie, Jackie Russell of Austin, Texas, Jeremiah Russell of Comanche, Texas and his children, Kade and Kenley, Brandi Welch and Ryan of Blanket, Texas and their children, Brayden, Koen and Braylei, Shane Goodgion and Callie of Abilene, Texas, Chance Goodgion and Amy of Brownwood, Texas and their son, Henry, Brady Hardin from the Metroplex area, Chris Merritt and Tonya of Brownwood and their children J.J. and Uriah, Cooper Merritt and Brittany of Early, Texas and Caitlyn White of Hawaii; his sister, Martha Fauber of Deltona, Florida; his brother, Herb Russell of Early, in addition to numerous cousins and friends.

The family would like to extend many thanks to CMS Kinder Hearts Hospice for all their care.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net