William J. Russell, Jr., 83, of Lexington, Virginia formerly of Tequesta, Fla., and Charlestown Township, Pa., died of complications related to cancer on September 25, 2019.

Bill was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1957. After his discharge from the United States Army, Bill's career in the investment business started as a stockbroker at the brokerage firm Butcher & Sherrerd, where he became general partner and sales manager. He then, in 1974, co-founded an investment-management firm that primarily managed pension-plan funds; he stayed with that firm until his retirement in 2003.

Bill played basketball and soccer through high school and college. He enjoyed sharing the story of guarding Wilt Chamberlain in Wilt's first high-school game – Bill held him to 18 points. In retirement, he relished the three years spent as an assistant high-school basketball coach at Jupiter High School where his team's record was 70 and 29. He was a lifetime Philadelphia Eagles fan. After moving to Lexington, he became a Washington and Lee super fan and attended as many football and basketball games as he could, whether home or away.

Bill was an active alumnus of Washington and Lee University. He served as class agent and was on the alumni board, a member of the George Washington Society, and on the athletic committee. Bill was a member of Lexington Golf & Country Club, where he served on the Board of Directors and where he sank two of his four holes-in-one.

He was on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath, and Alleghany counties. He was a resident of Kendal at Lexington where he served on the finance committee and Kendal at Lexington Board. Bill had also been a member at Turtle Creek Golf Club in Tequesta, where he spent six years on the Board of Directors and three years as President.

Bill is survived by his wife, Karen; four favorite daughters, Janet Davis (Chris) of Hinsdale, Ill., Joanne Scott of Chapel Hill, North N.C., Margaret Callahan (Kevin) of West Chester, Pa., Carol Sullivan (John) of Ivoryton, Conn.; four grandchildren, Leigh Callahan, Andrew Scott, Riley Sullivan, and Caroline Davis; and his brother, Tom. His first wife, Floss, died in 2002.

A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at a later time. Donations may be made to Kendal at Lexington Fellowship Fund. Spread Bill's spirit by saying "Howdy" to others, appreciating the power of compounding interest, cherishing your friends, and keeping your sense of humor. Go Generals! Go Iggles!

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.