Biography: Raymond H. “Ray” Russell, 84, of Little Rock died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert L. and Rose Bowers Russell; sister, Betty Smith; and beloved companion, Joan Ryan. Ray was a 1949 graduate of the Missouri School of Mines. He was a Certified Professional Engineer, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a WWII Army veteran and a member of the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. He is survived by four daughters, Melanie Nelson, Cherie Ward and husband Ronnie, Lisa Thornton and husband Tim, and Cindy Murray and husband Jeff; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one nephew; and two nieces. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. There will be a visitation from 9 – 9:30 a.m. at the Church. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Blue Mountain Cemetery in Blue Mountain, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas School for the Blind or to the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Foundation. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.