Graveside services for Keith Russell, 56, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Anguilla Cemetery in Anguilla, MS. Pastor Dale Wicks will be officiating. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 29, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Adele Walker Memorial Chapel at the funeral home.

"The race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but unto them that endure to the end."

The life of Keith Russell began on December 30, 1964 in Sharkey County, Mississippi. He was the son of Margaret Steed Russell and Walter E. Russell, Sr., both of whom preceded him in death. Keith was the youngest of five siblings. A brother, Kevin also preceded him in death.

Keith accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend V.T. Taylor at Christian Light Missionary Baptist Church in Anguilla, Mississippi.

He was educated in the schools of Sharkey county and graduated from Henry Weathers High School in 1982. Upon graduating from high school, he did further studies at Jackson State University, where he was a member of the Sonic Boom of the South, Alcorn State University and Hinds Community College.

Most of Keith's adult life was spent in Chicago, Illinois where he was employed with various security exchange companies where he traded stocks for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He was a valuable employee to companies such as Geldermann, Inc., Lind Waldock, and First American of which was housed in the infamous Sears Tower.

After leaving Chicago, Keith returned home and worked in various other jobs until he dicovered his true passion, culinary art. He had a special talent for cooking. He often participated in local community festivals where he showcased his culinary skills and occasionally prepared meals for family and friends. Keith was always willing to lend a hand when it involved preparing good food. In May 2020, he received a Technical Certificate in Culinary Arts Technology from Hinds Community College. This was perhaps one of the greatest milestones in his life.

Our family has lost an important part of our legacy. His lively sense of humor and sincere commitment to family will be sorely missed. Keith departed this life on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at his home in Vicksburg, MS.

Precious memories of Keith will forever be cherished by his family which includes: one sister: Carolyn (Marvell) Spears of Vicksburg, Mississippi; two brothers: Carl Russell and Walter (Jacqueline) Russell of Anguilla, Mississippi; eight aunts: Nadean Evans, Shirley Alford, and Annie Sisney of Anguilla, Mississippi; Geraldine Steed of Rolling Fork, Mississippi; Lorraine Steed of Gardena, California; Alma Smith of Chicago, Illinois; Ruby Cherry of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Betty Williams of Carthage, Mississippi; two uncles: Ernest Steed of Byram, Mississippi; and Charles Russell of Rolling Fork, Mississippi; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves to cherish his memory, a special friend, Ms. Trina Zachery of Vicksburg, Mississippi.