William Elmer "Billy" Russell, 63, of Great Mills, MD and formerly of Valley Lee, MD, died July 15, 2008 at his residence. Born June 22, 1945 in Leonardtown, MD he was the son of the late Joseph Benjamin and Margaret Mary Norris Russell.

He is survived by his daughter Dawn Hierstetter and her husband Brad of Drayden, MD, his sister Sharon Lee Ryan and her husband Timothy of Virginia Beach, VA, his care taker Keith Norris, his niece Tricia Ryan of NC, his nephew Todd Ryan of VA as well as his four grandchildren; Taylor and Brady Norris and Jarod and Abigail Hierstetter.

A lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, he was a graduate of Great Mills High School "Class of 1963." He was employed as a truck driver and warehouse manager for North American Van Lines for 40+ years, retiring in 2006. He served in the US Army from 1966-1968 where he was stationed in Germany and Vietnam and received Honorable Soldier of the Year. He enjoyed watching the Redskins, collecting baseball hats and being a "Pop-Pop."

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 from 1:00-2:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM with Deacon Bill Nickerson officiating.

Contributions may be made to Second District Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.