Russell Vernon Williams Jr.

Russell Vernon Williams, Jr, affectionately known to all as "Lil Russell", transitioned from his earthly life to his eternal life in heaven with God on Friday, November 20,2015. He was born in Chesapeake, Virginia to Renata Slayton and Russell V. Williams, Sr. Russell attended Western Branch High School, where he was recently crowned Mr. Sophomore and was a member of the Bruins Varsity baseball team. Lil Russell's first love was baseball. He began playing baseball at the tender age of 5 and continued to excel in the sport throughout high school. His love and passion for baseball gave him the opportunity to gain teammates and coaches who soon became family. Over his life, he played for the Charles Peete Baseball League, Cavalier Manor, Olive Branch, the Orioles Showcase Team, as well as the Western Branch Varsity baseball organization. He did so well in the sport, that he earned a letter in the eighth grade. He was an all around player who gave it his all on the field and the classroom. On last month, Russell had the opportunity to visit Virginia Tech as a prospective player for the baseball team. Russell also excelled in academics where he maintained an honor roll grade point average. He had big dreams of making it into the MLB. His contagious smile filled the room, his goofy personality brought on laughs, and his big heart made it impossible not to love him. Russell leaves to cherish in his memory, his mother Renata Slayton (Na Na) and his father Russell Williams, Sr. (Ra Ra); one brother Talik Farmer; maternal grandparents Carolyn and Jerald Thompson; paternal grandparents Patricia and Jeffery Jones; Great-grandmothers Emma Slayton and Mary Williams; uncles Rodriguiz Slayton, Rayshawn Holland, Jeffery Harper, Jermaine Williams (Tonya), and Darnell Thompson (Ellyde); aunts Ramona Slayton, Janai Harper, and Danisha Harper; Godmother Brenda Ward (Mommy); Godfather Carlos Echols; God sisters Charlesetta and Bernadette Ward, and Imani Boone; God brothers Royce Jones and Kamonte Boone; Godson Zi'yon "Ziggy" Holland; Special Aunt Dominique Pugh; Special Uncle Ri'chard (Willie) Hoggard; and a host of other family members and friends. "Blessed are those who mourn, you shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

Russell Vernon Williams Jr.

November 2, 1999 - November 20, 2015