Joseph Russell "Russ" Lett, Jr.

Joseph Russell "Russ" Lett, Jr passed from this life on May 22, 2017 at the age of 78. He was born at home in the Bement Community near Bertrand, Missouri on January8, 1939 to parents, Joseph Russell Lett, Sr and Lillie Peace Lett, both deceased. He is also predeceased by a sister, Frances Lett Scales. He is survived by his wife of nearly 54 years, Mary Cloin Lett; daughters, Jennifer Volpert (Danny) and Amy Lett; three grandchildren, Drew Edwards (Serenia), Patrick Edwards (Beth) and Cara Edwards; two (and one on the way) great-grandchildren; brother, Leonard Lett (Corky) of Sikeston, Missouri; sister-in-law, Bonnie George; and numerous other extended family. Russ' first "job" was getting to school early and lighting the fires so that the rooms would be warm as other students arrived. He helped to work the family farm for many years. He served in the National Guard/Army Reserves in both Missouri and Arkansas, winning several sharp shooting competitions. While he decided the Army life was not his style, he did look forward to the annual training camps in Minnesota. Soon after his marriage to Mary in August 1963 in Sikeston, they relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas. He worked at Chicopee Manufacturing (later named Personal Products) in North Little Rock, from which he retired. In his early life, Russ loved to hunt and fish. In later years, he enjoyed sitting outside watching the birds and bunnies in the yard. Russ loved kids and the kids loved Russ. So much that when they first moved to LR, some of young kids in the neighborhood would knock on their door and ask Mary, "Can Russ come out and play?" He would talk like Donald Duck and send them into the giggles. He enjoyed teasing little ones, cautioning"Don't eat the hole in the donut ‘cause it'll make you sick." "Pappa's" grandchildren and great-grands always had a place on his knee and open arms to hug. He loved working intricate hand puzzles, figuring them out in short order. And, his quiet sense of humor surprised everyone with a zinger now and again. Russ came to know the Lord as a teenager at Bement Baptist Church, and was baptized in the local creek. He has been a long-standing member of Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church, serving as a deacon for many years. The family wishes to thank all of the family and friends who have lended support during this difficult time. And, a special thank you to the staff of Arkansas Hospice. Visitation will be held from 6-7:30 pm on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. 72209, (501) 455-5800. Brother Mike Thomas will officiate the service on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander. Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church Men's Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church, 7111 Fourche Dam Pike, Little Rock, Ark. 72206. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.