Shirley Wayne Russell, 75

March 14, 1950 – May 16, 2025

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Shirley Wayne Russell, affectionately called Wayne by those who knew and loved him, entered into his Heavenly Home on Friday, May 16, 2025, after a fall and some sudden health changes. Mr. Wayne was receiving in-home hospice care until he passed at home in Enterprise with his family by his side.

Mr. Wayne was born March 14, 1950, in Oxford, MS at the Bramlett Hospital to the late George Elton Russell and Geneva Dale McLarty Russell. He received his education from the Lafayette County Public Schools. On September 3, 1971, he married his beloved wife Mary Juanita Rea, known to most as Nita. Together they built their home in the Enterprise Community, raising their daughter, making wonderful memories, and cherishing their time with one another.

While he officially stopped working when he went on disability after over thirty years of service to Master-Bilt, and later retired, Mr. Wayne never truly stopped working. He was known as a “fixer upper” and was always ready to lend a helping hand. From building his own storm cellar to various woodworking projects, such as shelves, baskets, mailboxes, porches and decks, Mr. Wayne always had something to do. He and Mrs. Nita could be described as the “Dynamic Duo” with several woodworking projects where he did the building and she did the painting.

They always worked as a team, enjoying the companionship of one another. Whether it was sitting on the front porch enjoying the breeze and natural wildlife with a Diet Coke in hand or watching old westerns, like Gunsmoke or The Rifleman, Mr. Wayne liked having a set daily routine, which included knowing just what time the soap operas came on so he could make sure to change the channel. While never much of a hunter, Mr. Wayne enjoyed spending time outside. One of his favorite accomplishments was the Sunday morning when he opened the back door to find a doe outside; he managed to shoot the doe from the back door, then realized there was a buck in the front yard and shot it from the front door.

Before his health declined, Mr. Wayne was a dedicated member of Enterprise Baptist Church. Over the years, he had served in various roles within the church, including being a Deacon and the Sunday School Superintendent, and was often the first to arrive and last to leave. Mr. Wayne took great pride in making sure the church doors were open, lights were on, air or heat was on, and everything was ready to go for church services each week. He and Mrs. Nita were actively involved in church activities whenever their doors were open, supporting fellow members and the community, and volunteering in a variety of roles.

While there were many difficult days throughout all of his health challenges, Mr. Wayne never lost sight of the Lord’s promises and lived his testimony out loud. We find comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain or suffering and peace in knowing that the day he took his final breath in his Earthly home, he was greeted into his Heavenly home by the Lord whispering to him, “Well done good and faithful servant, well done. You have finished your race, you have fought the good fight, and you have been faithful. “

Those left to cherish and honor his memory include his wife of 53 years, Mary Juanita “Nita” Russell, one daughter, Tina Cornelius of Myrtle, MS, one younger brother, Randy Russell (Cathy) of Wiggins, MS and two granddaughters, Elizabeth Cornelius of Oxford, MS and Katelyn Cornelius of Myrtle, MS, along with a host of nieces and nephews, countless friends, a loving church family, and every person whose life he touched.

Those welcoming him into Heaven include his parents, George and Geneva Russell, one older brother, George Lee Russell, and one son-in-law, Milton Wayne Cornelius.

Those honored to be pallbearers are Tim Russell, Jim Rea, Jon Fair, Brandon Scott, Brayden Scott and Bro. Byron Tate.

Funeral Services honoring Mr. Wayne’s life will be on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Memorial Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM until the time of funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Bro. Tony Monk, Bro. Robert Sheppard and Bro. Byron Tate will officiate, and burial will follow in the Enterprise Cemetery with no graveside service.

New Albany Funeral and Cremation invites you to share memories with the family of Mr. Shirley Wayne Russell as we continue to honor his life and those who cherished him.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

Visitation

Tuesday
May 20, 2025
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care (West Bankhead)

Funeral Service

Tuesday
May 20, 2025
1:00 PM
Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care (West Bankhead)