Russell Edward Willoughby

January 3, 1957 - March 12, 2020

Russell Edward Willoughby, of Terrell, passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 12, 2020. Russell was born Jan. 3, 1957 in Irving, Tx to Olan and Frances Willoughby, both of whom preceded him in death along with his nephew, Shannon Covington and cousin, Billy Willoughby. Russell grew up in the Irving area and attended Nimitz High School. He worked in the transport industry with Yellow Freight and most recently with YRC Freight. He was also a very active member of Teamsters Union #745 where Russell served as a dedicated union steward. His easy going and friendly personality enabled him to be successful in his occupational responsibilities. Russell truly never met a stranger and his generosity in his time given to others was well known. His wit and sense of humor as well as Russell’s ready smile were always welcome parts of the day to everyone he met and worked alongside. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an excellent cook with a specialty in smoking and barbecuing. He was an accomplished and talented guitar player and many memories were made singing and sharing funny stories with his many friends. A man of honor, integrity and great love for his family, Russell will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Karen Willoughby of Terrell; son, Phillip Olan Willoughby of Grand Saline; daughter, Christa and her husband, Charles Dorsey, II, of Oklahoma; step-children: Jesse Samples and wife, Lindsey, of Elmo, Brandi Chanthaseng and husband, Thong, of Terrell, Angela McFarlin and Phillip, of Elmo; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings: Linda Willoughby of Pilot Point, Mark Willoughby of Euless and Pam Willoughby of Weatherford as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and a host of friends who loved him and will miss him dearly. Funeral service will be at 11:00am, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis, Texas. The family will receive friends 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Monday, March 16, 2020, at the funeral home.