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Rufus Bunyan Russell

February 6, 1932 — June 7, 2008

Rufus Bunyan Russell February 6, 1932 - June 7, 2008 Master Sergeant Rufus Bunyan Russell USAF Retired of Chalk Bluff passed away Saturday, June 7, 2008. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, June 13 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Robert Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Rufus was born February 6, 1932 in Waco, Texas to Arthur and Ruth Russell. He and his brother, Jimmie N. Russell, were raised by their grandmother, Susie "Ma" Pearce, so their mother could teach school and support the family. Rufus enlisted in the National Guard in 1948 and was honorably discharged in 1950. He then joined the Air Force in 1950 retiring in 1978 after 28 years of service. He served three tours of duty in Southeast Asia as a flight engineer on rescue helicopters. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and two distinguished flying crosses as well as other awards and decoration. He was a life member of the Air Force Sergeant's Association who awarded him the Pitsenbarger Award, their highest award for heroism. After retiring he was in the real estate business until his death. Rufus had been a member of North Waco Baptist Church in Waco. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Juanita Marie Russell. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Jeanne Barker and husband, Charlie of Hewitt; son, Arthur Norton Russell II of Waco; daughter, Theressa Clarice Selbe and husband, Larry of Ocala, Florida; brother, Jimmie Norton Russell of Austin; grandchildren, William Keith Travers, David Meador Barker, Michael Stevens, Kristen Stevens and Courtney Selbe. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey

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