Russell Williams

Obituary of Russell Glenwood Williams

<b>Russell Glenwood "Russ" Williams, II</b> Russell Glenwood Williams, II, ("Russ") whose independent and altruistic spirit earned him the respect and affection of friends, co-workers and countless others, died April 8, 2009, at the age of 57 from complications of a malignant brain tumor. Born in the Ashland, Kentucky area, Russ graduated from Russell High School where he was president of the senior class. He then moved to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky and remained here as a contributing and involved citizen in local affairs for the rest of his life. He earned Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in social work from the University of Kentucky. In 1990, Russ became a member of the University staff as the substance abuse and AIDS educator for the Human Resources Training and Development program. He was interim director of the University's Employee Assistance Program and helped create and facilitate UKadvance, a leadership training program for the University staff. At the time of his death, Russ was the senior training specialist in the University's Human Resources Development office. During his tenure at the University, Russ was recognized for his work as a recipient of the Zumwinkle Student Rights Award and was inducted into the University of Kentucky Greek Alumni Hall of Fame. As part of his commitment to this community and his humane awareness of the suffering of others, he served as chairman of the Lexington AIDS Volunteers' Walk for Life. In July of 1998, Russ became the first representative of the staff on the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees. He retained that position until the end of his life, having been elected by the University staff to four terms. In that position he earned a reputation as a stalwart, innovative defender of employees' rights, taking on any who would seek to diminish the critically important contributions of the University of Kentucky staff members to the successful operation of the University in all areas. During his trusteeship, he served as secretary of the Board, chairman of the Student Affairs Committee, a member of the Human Resources Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee on Board Structure. He had a significant role in creating the Staff Senate and was an instructor in the Humanity Academy. Russ was also a fiercely loyal member of the host of fans in the Kentucky Blue Nation, attending every football and basketball game at home and many away from home until his illness prevented him from being able to attend. One of the roles Russ enjoyed most was that of senior advisor to the Phi Gamma Delta International Fraternity, Lexington Chapter, counseling, advising and consoling student members throughout the years. Many current student members of the fraternity returned his kindnesses during his illness, lining up to volunteer to do whatever they could to take care of him and his home during hospitalizations and keeping a close and caring watch over Russ's beloved pets while he could not be there. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Glenwood Williams and Ruby Bates Gunter Williams, and his niece, April Harris. He is survived by his beloved sister, Orthella (Hugh) Davis of Worthington, Kentucky, two nephews, Danny G. (Gail) Harris of Jeffersonville, Kentucky, and Donnie Harris of Worthington, as well as one great-niece, Brandi Lynn Harris of Worthington. Russ's accomplishments at the University of Kentucky, his loyalty to his family and friends and his commitment to his ideals will always be remembered by those he helped who, in turn, loved him. A memorial service to celebrate his life will he held on Friday, April 24, 2009, at 4:00 p.m. in the Worsham Theater in the Student Center on the University of Kentucky campus. Contributions are encouraged to the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. www.clarklegacycenter.com <b>Funeral Information</b> A Celebration of Russ's Life will be at 4:00 pm, Friday, April 24, 2009, in the Worsham Theater, located in the Student Center on the University of Kentucky campus.
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