It is with the saddest regret that we announce the passing of Phil Russell, 89, in Surprise, Arizona. Phil will be long remembered as a great husband, dad, granddad, and friend. One of the sweetest, most friendly, and caring people around, Phil was known for his great sense of humor and impish wise cracks. His smile and twinkling eyes could light up a room. An avid fisherman and hunter, Phil was known for his talent tying fly lures and his surprisingly realistic turkey calls. In retirement Phil found himself traveling even more in his RV along the Santa Fe trail and playing golf. He played courses wherever travel or friends brought the opportunity. Phil Russell was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Pam, sisters Margie and Genie, and his brother Bobby. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sybil, his son Clay, daughter-in-law Barbara, and grandson Grant, all of Dallas, Texas, his nephew Tom, and of course, Misty the Bossy Cat. A celebration of Phil’s amazing life to be held on April 6, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351. A private interment will be held at the Ft. Bayard National Cemetery near Silver City, NM, on a later date. In lieu of flowers, Phil’s family asks that donations be made to the Wild Turkey Federation, or the Diabetes Association in his honor.