Willford John Russell, age 23, of Franklin, Tenn., currently a student at University of Tennessee in Knoxville, born May 29, 1994 in Fairfax, Va., passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017 in Knoxville, Tenn.

Although he grew up in his mother's home in Midlothian, Va. and his father's home in Franklin, Tenn., Willford's family had deep roots in the metro-east areas of O'Fallon, Lebanon, and Collinsville, Ill. He spent many summer vacations here with his cousins and extended family. He was in his junior year at University of Tennessee, majoring in Marketing. Will loved being outdoors, discovering and listening to good music, and was a naturally gifted athlete. He devoted his time to physical fitness, and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. Will had friends in many places and from all walks of life. Will was a deep thinker, an insightful and inquisitive son, and always lent a listening ear to his sister.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Walter Clevidence, Norton and Mary Ann Newcomb, Jr., and aunt Janet Schenkel

Surviving are his parents James Robert Russell of Franklin, Tenn., his mother Rebecca Elizabeth (Keith) Williams of Midlothian, Va.; his sister Frances Russell of Washington, D.C.; grandmother Judith Clevidence; grandfather Jack (Sharen) Russell; godparents Aunt Samantha and Uncle Tim Stellhorn; aunts and uncles Julia Feldt, Norton (Kerry) Newcomb, III; John (Barbara) Russell, and Jane (Peter) Erickson.

Memorial donations are suggested to The University of Tennessee Foundation, Haslam College of Administration Department Fund. You may also go to give.UTK.edu and designate funds to the Haslam College of Business, Business Administration Department Fund and designate in memory of Willford Russell.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, September 29, 2017 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon.

Funeral: 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Lebanon First United Methodist Church, 603 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon, Ill., with Rev. Cari Frus officiating. Burial will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery, O'Fallon, Ill.