Willis "Bill" Russell

Willis "Bill" Eugene Russell, 86, of Hardy, Arkansas passed away May 19, 2026 at White River Medical Center in Batesville, Arkansas. He was born October 15, 1939 in Trumann, Arkansas to Noel Leon "Dude" and Beulah Dorothy Jones Russell. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: a sister, Dorothy Badgero, and three brothers: Bob, Jerry, and Buddy Russell.

Survivors include his wife, Maxine Melton Russell; sons, Bryan Russell (Tricia) of Mtn. Home, Arkansas and Allan Baldridge of Batesville; a daughter, Jamie Bratcher (Stacy) of Hardy; four grandchildren: Nikki, Taylor, Kurt, and Ashlynn; seven great-grandchildren: Isla, Miles, Graycen, Khloe, Kamden, Nathan, and Lucas; numerous other relatives and great friends. 

Bill was a Christian of the Baptist faith, an avid fisherman, and hunter. He loved the Arkansas Razorbacks and watching basketball, especially when "his kids" were playing. He was a loyal fan of the Highland Rebels after graduating as a Hardy Bulldog in 1958. Bill rarely missed a Hardy School Reunion where he could visit with friends of all ages. His life's work was as a barber for 67 years in the Hardy Barber Shop, which he co-owned with Darrel Taylor for 57 of those years; they worked together with never an argument.  Bill positively influenced thousands.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Tri-County Funeral Home with Bro. Jared Russell officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial will follow in Hersperger Cemetery in Cherokee Village, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Randy, Robert, Logan, and Shane Russell, Eric and Dakota Reynolds, Tony, Aaron, and Russell Goodman, Clayton Smith, and Steven Norris.  Honorary Pallbearers include Floyd, John, and Jimmy Russell, Darrel Taylor, Billy Joe French, Royce McClure, Darrell Carpenter, and Bill Reynolds.

Arrangements are entrusted to Tri-County Funeral Home, 1540 Hwy. 62/412, Highland, AR 72542.