Chatsworth, GA - William M. Russell, 87, of Chatsworth, Georgia, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Henry Russell; his brother, Albert Russell; three sisters, Edith Stevens, Ressie Caldwell, and Gerldine Vaughn Brookshire. Also preceding him were his mother and father-in-law, Bessie and George Cowart; brothers and sisters-in-law, John Paul Cowart, Mozelle Green, Jennette Sitton, Edd Cowart, and Robbie Cowart.

His survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Shirley Cowart Russell; his daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Kenneth Kinsey; his sisters, Dessie Fowler, Esther Scott, and Gail Weinthal; grandchildren, Fantasia and Allen Gallman; and great-grandchildren, Molly, Bo, and Lilly Gallman. He is also survived by special grandson, Justin Faith, and special granddaughters, Allison Jones O'dell and Alyssa Jones; and special family friend, Sherrie Sutter Patterson. A host of nieces and nephews also survive.

William was a graduate of Murray County High School. He served in the United States Air Force with a top-secret clearance. After he returned to Dalton, he worked in the carpet industry until 1983. In 1984, he and Shirley started Eagle Parts and Machinery, Inc., in Chatsworth. Over the past forty-one years, they and their staff have grown the business to cover six continents and over sixty countries.

William had many friends in this community. He was often ready with a joke for everyone. If someone needed help, he was there to help. He was a long-time member of Holly Creek Baptist Church. He loved to show his gratitude for God's great mercy to those around him. He also loved to talk about the family that God blessed him with and the blessed life he was given through God's grace.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of William M. Russell will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 am in the chapel of Peeples Funeral Home with Rev. Damon Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the Murray County Gideons. (P.O. Box 44, Chatsworth, GA 30705)

Peeples Funeral Home & Crematory of Chatsworth has been entrusted with the arrangements for William M. Russell.