Tributes

Russell J. Tracy, Jr. (Butch) went home to the Lord on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Born January 31, 1943 to Russell Joseph Tracy, Sr. and Betty Sommers, in Fairmont City, Illinois. Russ was married to the love of his life, Leonarda Cascio Tracy, on June 4, 1988. They spent over 28 years loving, laughing, and exploring life together. Every 5 years, they renewed their vows to honor their commitment and love for each other. In their wedding ceremony, Father Joseph said if this marriage is blessed with a child, that child will be an outward symbol of their love for each other. On November 26, 1996, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Katie Lenn, who is now a Junior at St. Mary's University studying Marketing. Russ also has two older accomplished children, Lisa Dionne Gilleland married to William for 29 years. Their marriage was blessed with 3 musical and beautiful daughters: Jessica Loren, and twins Chandler Jane, and Megan Anne. His son is a preacher in Johnson City, Russell J. Tracy, III married to Dee Bolin for 21 years. They also have three god-loving and talented children Russell J. Tracy IV (RJ), Kendall James, and Chelsea Jean. Butch enjoyed being with his family in the great outdoors as they would frequently go RV camping, jet-skiing, and sightseeing. He loved the rare opportunities when he could visit with his brothers and sisters who live out of state. Butch was a proud US Navy Veteran and served as a Signalman on the USS Holder DD819. He was the ultimate muscle car and drag racing enthusiast. In addition to working at S&S Distributors, Eckerd Drug Company and Northside ISD, Butch's passion led him to work for 3 auto parts companies, Chief Auto, NAPA, and O'Reilly's Auto. He enjoyed this work tremendously and through his great analytical skills, he could flip the operation into a profit center. Butch had several church families through the years, but his favorites were with the members of Oxford United Methodist Church and St. Matthews Catholic Church where he made lasting friendships. Some of the most fun we had in recent years was cheering for the athletes at Business Careers/Holmes High School where Katie played Volleyball for the Huskies. Butch and Leonarda attended football, basketball and some baseball games because it was easy to cheer for this great group of kids. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 7 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Mission Park North at 3401 Cherry Ridge. Funeral Mass is Wednesday, February 8, 10:00AM at St. Matthews Catholic Church, visitors welcome at 9:00AM. Interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. Lunch will follow at St. Matthew's Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been created in Butch's honor at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Russell_Tracy_Jr.

Tributes

Russell Tracy Jr.

January 31, 1943 - January 25, 2017