Former State Legislator Russell leaves legacy

Sam Wilson Russell, 68, died on May 14 in Mount Pleasant. He was born in Gilmer on August 31, 1945.

Mr. Russell attended Mount Pleasant  public schools and graduated in 1964. During high school, he served for a year as a White House Page in Washington, D.C. under the guidance of Congressman Wright Patman.  He graduated from East Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting and graduated from South Texas College of Law in Houston with a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree.  He was an officer in the student bar association and president of his law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta.

Sam was honored for his work in the Texas Legislature by the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, the Texas Municipal League, and was presented the Texas Chamber of Commerce “Distinguished Service Award.”  The Texas Transit Association named him “Legislator of the Year” in the Texas House.  Because of his commitment to public education, The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association and the Texas State Teachers Association honored him during his legislative service.  Sam was a member of the Mount Pleasant-Titus County Chamber of Commerce; past president of the Mount Pleasant Rotary Club; and, past president of the Titus County Bar Association.  His fraternal organizations include Delta Sigma Pi and Phi Alpha Delta Law fraternity, International.  He was a member of Temple Lodge #70, A.F.A.M., in Mount Pleasant. He was a member of the American Bar Association, Northeast Texas Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, Texas Democratic Party, and Texas Trial Lawyers Association.  Until recently, he served as president of the Snow Hill Cemetery Association and was a member of the North Ridge Church of Christ.

A memorial service will be held May 17 at North Ridge Church of Christ in Mount Pleasant. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, Snow Hill Cemetery Association, or one’s favorite charity. Mr. Russell will long be remembered for his dedication to his family and friends and in serving the citizens of Mount Pleasant and Titus County, his Legislative District, and the people of Texas. 

To continue reading this obituary purchase the May 22^nd edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or read more in our e-edition:  http://www.etypeservices.com/SWF/LocalUser/Pittsburg1//Magazine53803/Full/index.aspx?id=53803