Russell Leonard Wilson's Obituary
Russell Leanard Wilson, 75, passed away on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, peacefully in his home with his daughter Stephanie holding his hand. He leaves behind his daughter Stephanie M. Randall and son-in-law Roland H. Randall; grandson Tyler Russell Randall and great-grandson Legend A. Randall-Wilson; granddaughter Alej’ha A. Randall. He also leaves behind a sister Mary Ann Gallegos and her four children. His sister Linda Newton passed away this last year who left behind two sons James and Mark Newton.
Russ was born December 14th, 1948, to William Lawrence Wilson and Martha Jean McDaniel in Mississippi Tennessee. He was raised in Georgia by his Uncle Russ and Aunt Evelyn Willgus. At age 18 Russ joined the Navy where he studied to be an X-Ray technician. He was stationed at Providence Hospital in Oakland CA where he met his wife, Linda Wilson. It was love at first sight for him and married her within 3 months of their first date. Even though Russ was employed at Providence Hospital he still joined the Oakland Police force where he stayed on the force for three years. As a couple Russ and Linda breaded birds at their home in Pleasanton CA. They later moved to Union City CA where Russ found his passion for speed and took up auto crossing and stock car racing. He worked as Chief of the X-Ray Department at Washington Hospital for ten years implementing many much-needed changes that are still present today, all with staff safety in mind. Later he started teaching at Palmer College running their X-Ray department as well as teaching. He found there were no useful X-Ray course books, so he decided to write and publish one. Once his grandson Tyler was born August 5th, 2002, he became his passion being present at every moment in his life. There was never a football game or event where you would not find Russ front row cheering him on. He looked forward to doing the same with Legend. He was known as “Grandpa” by so many and will truly be missed forever.
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