Russell William Williams Jr., 78 years young, passed away on July 7, 2026, in Escondido, California. Russell was born on March 15, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During the Summer of 1956, the Williams family moved across the country from Pennsylvania to San Diego on to the coast of Solana Beach.In 1958, the Williams family purchased a home in San Marcos, CA where Russell grew up making life-long friends who were supporters throughout his entire life. Russell graduated from San Marcos High School in 1967 and enlisted in the Air Force during the Summer of 1970 where he served as a telephone switching equipment repairman. Following his time in the military, Russell attended Palomar College in San Marcos, where he studied Art and Photography. He later went on to earn his BA in Sociology and a Master’s in Social Work at San Diego State University. Russell was a recovering alcoholic and addict who took pride in being a lead speaker at AA and NA meetings for over 40 years. Being in recovery influenced his career path to help others. He was a Social Worker specifically in the trauma and recovery sectors, as well as a counselor for those suffering from chemical dependency and drug/alcohol abuse. After working 30+ years at several local hospitals, Russell began working through his own private practice in the Fallbrook community, and with military personnel across the United States and abroad. He genuinely cared about the lives of all people and dedicated his life to helping those who needed support the most. Russell was an athletic and adventurous spirit, who took up surfing shortly after moving to California and continued to follow the sport throughout his life. Along withsurfing, he was a star athlete for his high school track team, and he played both football and baseball at the Varsity level. He also had a love for dirt bikes, Harley Davidsons, and driving across the country. Russell was an artist, photographer, musician, and a passionate storyteller with a love for history and vintage cars. Russell and his wife Pauline, who also passed away on June 1, 2026, took pride in being a part of the Fallbrook community. They were donors to the Fallbrook Art Center, where they loved to frequent and view the different exhibits throughout the year. They both enjoyed participating and volunteering at local events. Their presence will be missed among the Fallbrook community. Russell is preceded in death by his parents Russell Williams Sr. and Carolyn Williams, his sister Cheryl Williams, and his wife Pauline Williams. He is survived by his son Eric (Stephanie) Williams, his nephews William Griffin, Paul Griffin, and niece Margaret Griffin-Schmidt. A celebration of life will take place for Russ at his home with close family and friends on August 6, 2026. Both Pauline and Russ will be taken to their final resting place at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, CA on Friday August 7 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome in Russell’s name to the Fallbrook Art Center , or Alcoholics Anonymous San Diego .