Russell Williams

Russell Williams, age 69, entered into rest on Wednesday November 13, 2024 at Niagara Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Russ was born October 11, 1955 in Shelbyville, Indiana to Maxine Williams, nee Benedict and Clyde Williams. He spent his adventurous childhood growing up on the Tuscarora Reservation and in the city of Niagara Falls. He worked for the Carbide/Graphite Group (formerly Airco Speer) for many years until its closing, and later he could be seen at Randy's Smoke Shop and Joey's Sneeks until he retired.

Russ was a friend to everyone he met. Whether meeting him for the first time, bumping into him while out and about, or sitting down to visit you were treated with lively conversation and lots of laughs. While his three daughters lovingly rolled their eyes at his corny jokes, others found him hilarious, confirming he WAS (almost) as funny as he thought he was. He also enjoyed drawing and painting, and if he drew you a cartoon, it meant he loved you.

Russ was Tuscarora Deer Clan and his culture and traditions were very important to him.  In his younger years, you could find him singing traditional social songs and participation in traditional social dances. While dancing, Russ always wore his mukluk moccasins, earning him his favorite of his many lifelong nicknames, Russell Muck. Russ was very knowledgeable in Haudenosaunee culture and traditions, and he often went to his grandchildren's schools to share that wisdom.

Russell is survived by his loving daughters, Elizabeth (Dean) Smegelsky, Da'Nelle Williams, and Shawna Williams and his stepson Ross (Stephanie) Toarmino, ex-wife Connie Williams and bonus daughter, Tiffany Chew. His grandchildren Zachary (Stephanie) Smegelsky, Justin Smegelsky, Evan White, Jordan, Jianna, and Amya Jacobs, Sofia and Lilliana Janese, will miss the stories and loving teasing of their Grandpa, aka FatHead.  In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters Pat Champagne (Eddie Gordner), Leona Williams and Jennifer Williams,  as well as nephews Lindsay Carrier, Jr and Martin Johnson and nieces Elaine Champagne, Alexis and Valli Johnson and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Russell was pre-deceased by his brother Karl Williams, sister Suzanne Crogan, and nephew Korey Webb.

Visitation on Sunday November 17, from 2-3PM at the Tuscarora Indian Mission, 5035 Walmore Rd., where services follow at 3PM.

Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The family invites you back to the Mission afterwards to share your favorite Russell story.

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