Russell Vaun Wilson lost his battle with lung cancer at his home on June 9, 2011, with his family by his side. He was 79 years old.
He was born in Chadwick, Mo., on Feb. 20, 1932, to Frederick and Elene Wilson. Upon graduating from Ava High School he served four years in the U.S. Navy, owned and operated a gas station and a television repair shop before becoming a truck driver in the Los Angeles, Calif., area.
He moved to Ukiah, Calif., in 1970. There he owned and operated Wilson Trucking Inc. He retired in 2004.
His favorite pastime was flying his Bonanza Beechcraft.
Russell is survived by his wife, Wanda, of the home; a stepson, Steven Lamun and wife, Leila, of Ukiah, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Vicky Utter and husband, Charles, of Las Vegas, Nev.; sisters Marie Keeter, of Atlanta, Ga., and Genie Davis and husband, Dale, of Ava; six nephews and one niece.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a stepson, Mike Lamun. At his request no services will be held.
