Russell William Williams Jr., 78 years old, 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 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 life. Russell graduated from San Marcos High School in 1967 and enlisted in the Air Force in 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 who took pride in being a lead speaker of AA/NA for over 40 years. Being in recovery influenced his career path helping others. He genuinely cared about the lives of others and dedicated his life to helping those who needed support the most. He worked as a Social Worker specifically in the trauma and recovery sectors along with counselling 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. Russell was an adventurous spirit, who took up surfing shortly after moving to California and continued to follow surfing as a sport throughout his life. Along with surfing, he was a star athlete in high school running track, and playing both football and baseball. Russell also had a love for dirt bikes, Harley Davidsons, and driving across the country. He was an artist, photographer, musician, and storyteller. 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 William 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 .