Gerald Hoggard (left) visits with guest of honor Lloyd Russell at his 100th birthday celebration Saturday at the Sugar Creek Country Club in Piggott. Hoggard noted that he first went to work for Russell in 1956. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge]

Lloyd Russell, former owner of Russell Mortuary and the Russell Burial Association, marked the occasion with family, friends and well-wishers. Russell also was honored with numerous cards and letters, including notes from President Bush and the first lady, Governor Mike Beebe, Arkansas' Congressional delegation and other dignitaries.

The role Lloyd Russell has played in the growth and improvement of the city of Piggott is hard to measure. He was instrumental in most of the economic improvement efforts for many years, and continued to remain active for decades of service.

Lloyd Russell was born in Carterville, Ill., but moved to Pollard as a small child. After attending school at Hayes, Hitt and Haywood schools, he attended Pollard School through the 10th grade and graduated from Piggott High School in 1928.

After graduation, like many during the Depression, he went north and worked in Michigan. Next he would attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where he earned his teaching certificate. He later received his embalmer's license from a school in St. Louis.

In 1932 he earned his license in Arkansas and worked for his father and other funeral homes around the region. Mr. Russell also spent two school years teaching seventh and eighth grades at Pollard, from 1932 to 1934. It was during this time that he married Hazel P. Ellis. They had two daughters, Betty and Marian (Nabors).

In 1934 the couple moved to Piggott and started Russell Mortuary, and in 1935 formed the People's Consolidated Burial Association.

Lloyd Russell's involvement as a civic leader is storied. He was a long-time member of the Piggott Industrial Development Committee, and served as president of the group from 1946 until the time the shoe factory building was sold to the city in 1986 and all the original investors were paid-off.

He was chairman of the committee that sought to build Piggott Hospital and served as president of the Clay County Fair Association in the early 1960's. He also helped organize the first Piggott Chamber of Commerce and served as president from 1955-57.

Russell is a charter, and current, member of the Piggott Lions Club, was chairman of the Sugar Creek Country Club board of directors and was county coroner for several years.

He also was voted as Piggott Citizen of the Year for 1964.

Russell had the distinction of serving on the committee that hosted Senator Bill Fulbright during a campaign visit to Piggott, and personally handed-out the Arkansas Traveler Certificates from the governor to Elia Kazaan and Bud Schulburg during the filming of "A Face In the Crowd."

Russell also is credited with introducing Santa Gertrudes cattle to Clay County, and raised thoroughbred walking horses many years, on which daughters Betty and Marian would compete.

Suffice it to say, Lloyd Russell has left his mark on the city of Piggott, Clay County and the state of Arkansas. Several years ago he was included as one of Piggott's "Men of Vision" on a marble marker erected on the courthouse lawn. He's currently the only living member of this special group of leaders.