22 MAY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam James Robert “Bobby” Russell (1931~2025) James Robert “Bobby” Russell, age 93, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away February 20, 2025. Born in 1931, in Atlanta, the youngest son of Green and Eva Russell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” Shaw Russell; and siblings Wilmer, Thelma, Jack, and Mildred. A proud American, Bobby served his country in the U.S. Army with the Military Police at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. After his military service, he returned to the family farm and worked for Planters Warehouse and the U.S. Postal Service. The Engemans then offered him a job as their first employee of Simmons Pump Co. This began a dedicated career to Simmons Manufacturing, where he worked tirelessly and built lifelong friendships he cherished until his final days. He retired in 2001, but the bonds he formed with his colleagues remained strong, showing the kind of man he was - loyal, hardworking, and full of heart. Bobby’s life was a testament to his love for the Lord and his calling to serve others. He was a lifelong member of Timberridge Presbyterian Church. He had a deep love for his homeplace and his yard, and poured his heart into his land, tending his garden with the same dedication and care he showed to those around him. His love for people was evident in everything he did; he never met a stranger, always had a kind word (or a playful joke) to share, and truly enjoyed giving folks a hard time in the most endearing way. Bobby was a passionate and dedicated Georgia Bulldogs fan, tailgating with special friends at every home game for many years, traveling to bowl games, and continuing to watch every game on television for the rest of his life. But nothing compared to the love he had for his family. He was a dedicated caregiver for his parents, faithful husband to Betty for almost 60 years, and a loving, giving, and dependable father to his children. His favorite role in life began when he became Poppy. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and took every opportunity to spoil them with his time, gifts, and love. His legacy will live on through those he leaves behind including his son Jeff; daughter Susie (Jimmy); grandchildren Will (Claire), Jake (Macy), Katie (Clint), and Emma; great-grandchildren Mackenlee, Connor, Cohen, Lavender, Andi, Carter, and Judah; nieces, nephews, as well as several extended family members and a large host of friends. Randy LaVerne Smith (1957~2025) Randy LaVerne Smith of Custer, Michigan, passed away on February 21, 2025. He was born in 1957, the son of LaVerne Smith and AprilBelle (Reene) Smith. Having grown up almost next to his grandpa Reene, a second-generation water well drilling contractor, Randy spent many hours with him from a young age, learning the trade, and eventually pursuing it as a full-time career. At one point, Randy and his sister Renee took care of their homebound mother, while he still worked full-time drilling wells. He was never happier than when standing behind a rig drilling a well, putting in a pump, or doing water system repair for someone, right up until the time he could no longer work. He loved cooking and perfected numerous dishes. Many of them contained mushrooms, which he mostly picked himself. If Randy had a third passion in life, it was mushroom hunting and picking. He could spot a patch of morel mushrooms 20 yards away. While to some, Randy’s life in later years had possibly resembled that of a recluse, to Randy, sitting at the kitchen table watching the world go by was just his way of coping with his illness and staying within his comfort zone. He did, however, relish the visits from neighbors, friends, and relatives for coffee, where he would usually have some sweet treat to share, as he also enjoyed baking. Randy especially looked forward to his Sunday morning call from his uncle Lyle. If he hadn’t talked to him by 9 a.m., he would have been calling to check on him. Randy is survived by his sister Renee (Matt); nephews Cameron and Sean (Jessica), and their children Judah and Lena; uncle Lyle (Kris); numerous cousins; and good friends Caleb and Jeremy, who were like the sons he never had. Lest we forget . . . WWDR photo taken during the 2006 South Atlantic Well Drillers JUBILEE.
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