Samuel E. Russell, Jr.

Shumel Ben Yahouda Yisrael was born Samuel E. Russell, Jr., on March 1st, 1936, in Memphis, Tennessee. His parents are the (late) Samuel E. Russell Sr. and (late) Katherine Gordon Russell. His family migrated to Chicago, Illinois where he attended Kohn Elementary School and graduated from Fenger High School. He is the oldest of two siblings, (late) Richard Russell and then Sherri Russell, who was born when he was twenty years old. As an only child during his early years, he found lifelong friendship and companionship with his many cousins. They shared a close bond, creating cherished memories that remained a treasured part of his life. He married the love of his life, (late) Anna Long in 1957.  

Samuel possessed a keen intellect and an adventurous spirit. Eager to see the world and serve his country, he enlisted in the United States Air Force on November 2, 1954. Based on his exceptional aptitude, he was selected to become an Aircraft Electronic Navigation Equipment Technician-a highly technical specialty requiring precision, expertise, and dedication.   

He completed technical training at Scott AFB Illinois, followed by advanced training at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Langley AFB Virginia. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, the Air Force continued to invest in his professional development by sending him to numerous advanced technical courses, where he refined his knowledge and hone his skills and abilities into a master technician. Because of his technical expertise and high-level security clearance, Samuel was entrusted with assignments and temporary duty that took him around the world.  During his distinguished career, he graduated from college and he and his family were stationed at Langley AFB Virginia, and the overseas to Libya (unaccompanied) and Chambley Bussieres AFB France.  Upon his return stateside, he was stationed at Keesler AFB Mississippi, Laughlin AFB Texas, Fairchild AFB Washington, and Eielson AFB Alaska. His wife passed in 1973, so Samuel brought his 6 children back to be closer to family. He took a humanitarian assignment to Wright-Patterson AFB Ohio, where he concluded his remarkable Air Force career and took care of his children. He retired effective 1 Feb 1975 after 20 years of faithful service. 

He took a year off work but was eventually selected as a Nuclear Electronics Engineer for (Monsanto) Mound Laboratories in Miamisburg, Ohio. The lab grew out of WW2, a site of the Manhattan project. He designed electronic control panels, conducted diagnostic tests, and maintained specialized control systems used in nuclear facilities. He bridged the gap between nuclear physics and electrical engineering by monitored reactors systems, calibrated sensors that measure radiation levels, temperature, pressure, and neutron flux within a core. So, of course, he could never talk about what he did at work. But I remember him coming home late one day saying his skin was sore because he had to take 17 showers before he could leave work.  He worked there until his retirement in 1996. 

Samuel was also a businessman.  He could fix anything electronic, so he went into his own TV repair business.  He had TVs stacked so high and scattered around the house that we had only a narrow pathway to get from one end of the house to the other! He was always delivering or picking up a TV from somebody.  

In 1980, Samuel married Maggie Fitts, embracing not only their union but also her 6 children whom he welcomed into his extended family.  Following the conclusion of their marriage, he never remarried and chose to devote his life to family, faith and personal pursuits. 

Late in life, Samuel embraced his spiritual calling and found HIS TRUTH through the Hebrew Israelite faith. As a reflection of his renewed covenant and commitment to the Most High, he took the Hebrew name Shumel Ben Yahouda Yisrael.  HE LIVED HIS LIFE ON HIS TERMS. He devoted himself to studying the Scriptures, living according to YAHWEH’S commandments as he understood them, and deepening his relationship with YAHWEH. His faith became a guiding force in his life, bringing him purpose, conviction, and strength. He was devoted, steadfast, and unwavering in his faith.  He shared, argued, and fought for his beliefs. He encouraged us to seek truth as he saw it.  He leaves a legacy rooted in faith, wisdom, and obedience to YAHWEH.  

He is survived by 8 children, 17 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren: Steven, Sandra (2,2), Ruben (1), Raymond (2), David (3,8), Dona (1), Derrick (6), and Marvin (2), Sherri (sister), and host of cousins, loving relatives and friends. 

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