Russell W. Papizan

Russell Wayne Papizan, 77, passed on Jan. 5, 2025, in his Crystal Springs home where he lived for 46 years.

He is survived by his sister, Patricia Barnes; brother, James Papizan; nieces, Velva Childress, Katie Ross, and Jeanie Craft; and nephews, Tim Papizan, Kurt Moeller, and David Myers.

Born to parents Wilmer and Nannie Papizan, of Crystal Springs, May 12, 1947, Russell was the second youngest of 11 children. While attending Copiah-Lincoln Community College, he was drafted into the Army and sent to the Vietnam War for two years. After returning home, Mr. Papizan continued his education at Mississippi State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering.

He spent nearly 40 years as a lead petroleum engineer in the Texas oil fields as a self-employed consultant. When he was not working, Russell spent most of his time fishing. “He was an expert. He knew all the good fishing holes and exactly where to drop a line,” says niece, Velva Childress. Mr. Papizan took pride in his ability to maintain and/or take something apart, repair it, and put it back together.

Russell was a fiercely independent and satirically humorous man. Even his nurse recollects finding him climbing on the roof when she stopped by to check on him. He is remembered as a teacher, football-lover, and family philanthropist.