Services for Russell Leon Willoughby, 57, of Ada, will be held Wednesday January 5th, 2022 at 2:00pm, at Center Church in Ada. Nephew Jarrod Newby and Pastor Earl Hood will officiate. Burial will follow at Maxwell Cemetery in Oil Center. Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Tuesday January 4th at Criswell’s Funeral Home. Russell was born January 27, 1964 to Leroy and Reva Sue Horton Willoughby in Ada, OK. He passed from this life on January 2nd, 2022 at his home after a courageous battle against ALS.
Russell lived all his life in the Oil Center area, he attended Vanoss School for 13 years, graduating in 1982. He has been a loyal school supporter and probably attended as many Vanoss ballgames as anyone around. He was an avid sports enthusiast, playing basketball and baseball for Vanoss and numerous summer league teams in the Ada area. He especially excelled at and loved baseball, which he began playing at an early age. He was a member of the Sirloin Stockade State Championship team in 1978. After graduation he played softball for several years, and as his nephews and sons came along and become old enough he turned to coaching. He coached his three son’s teams for many years, leading what resembled a “Bad News Bears” group to the State Tournament. He not only coached, but transported, sponsored, and supervised many of his players, with the assistance of his sister Janice.
Russell drove for Call a Ride Public Transit for many years, and until his illness forced his early retirement he was employed by Rockwater Energy Solutions in Ada, Ok as a chemical blender and truck driver.
Russell loved to hunt and fish, enjoying these activities with his sons, nephews, and friends. He was obviously more proud and excited when one of the boys got a big buck or caught the big fish than if he’d gotten it himself. He loved his sons and was happiest when spending time with them.
Russell had a great sense of humor, even as his disease robbed him of the ability to speak, he’d type out funny stories and comments on his communication device to share with friends and family.
Above all else, Russell was a Christian, certain of where he’d spend eternity. He was a member of Center Church and he enjoyed reading or listening to his Bible every evening. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janice Newby, and nephew Connor Hicks.
He is survived by three sons, Micheal Willoughby and wife April of Oklahoma City, Dal Willoughby and wife Ashtin of Asher, and Noah Covey-Willoughby of Ardmore. Grandchildren, Breanna, Claryssa, Waylon, Wade, and Lyla Willoughby. Special Friend Tai of Shawnee. Sisters, Debbie Warren of Ada, Patti Cane and husband Morris of Vanoss, Vickie Holt and husband Rocky of Ada, and brother in law Jerrell Newby of Oil Center. Numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, and aunts, uncles, and many, many cousins.
Bearers will be John Booth, Mike Cathey, Ricky Horton, Keith Isaacs, Joe Don Jones, and David Woods.
Honorary Bearers, David Booth, Richard Northam, Rocky Howard, AV Lucky, Wayne Gillum, David Hatton, Stacy Robertson, Josh Newby, Erik Hatton, Erik David Hatton, Lucas Cane, Ronnie Hicks, Richard Cooper, Blake Cooper, Riley Cooper, Doltin Holt, and Scott Ward.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
