William Cleveland Russell

William Cleveland “BeBo” Russell, age 62 of Jeffersonville, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, leaving behind a town that will be a little quieter, a lot less lively, and probably in need of someone who actually knows how to fix things properly.  Born and bred in the Jeffersonville community he loved with his whole heart, BeBo was the son of the late William James Johnson and Rose M. (Davis) Russell. He took great pride in his hometown roots and never met a problem he didn’t believe could be solved with determination, common sense… and a generous application of duct tape.

BeBo could fix just about anything. Give him a set of tools — or honestly, sometimes just duct tape and a good idea — and he could tinker on bikes, cars, lawnmowers, or anything with moving parts. He had a gift for taking things apart, studying them like a puzzle, and putting them back together better than before. Some called it skill. Others called it magic. BeBo just called it “working on it.”

Music filled his life — loudly and proudly. If there was a beat, BeBo was already moving. He never waited for a reason to celebrate and could turn any ordinary moment into a full-on dance party. If you heard music cranked up somewhere nearby, chances were good BeBo was either fixing something… or dancing while fixing something.  A man of deep and steady faith, BeBo believed strongly in the God who created and loved him. He never hesitated to praise the Lord for the blessings in his life — and he counted his family among the greatest of them.

He especially loved his sister Donna’s cooking, holding a lifelong devotion to her fried chicken and banana puddin’. To BeBo, those weren’t just meals — they were proof that heaven sometimes shows up right on your dinner plate.  Though he never married and had no children of his own, BeBo poured his heart into loving his many nieces and nephews. He guided them, protected them, and taught them the kind of life lessons that stick with you forever:  “Be tough.  Stand your ground.  Do what’s right.  And if wise words don’t solve the problem… you better know how to fight.”  He taught them how to stand up for the underdog, how to protect themselves, and how to face life head-on with courage. His famous words — “Lock it in, Nephew!” — will forever echo in the hearts of the boys who loved him like a father and looked to him like a hero.

In addition to his parents, BeBo was preceded in death by his brother, Micheal Russell, Sr.

He is survived by his sister, Donna Russell of Louisville, and her children: Onnda McKinney, Early Russell, Eric Russell, EJ Casey; and nephew, Micheal Russell, Jr. He is also survived by two step-sisters, Dena Johnson and Joy Johnson, a step-brother, James Johnson, Jr., along with a host of loving nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends, Michael Mudd & Paul Howard, who will forever cherish his laughter, wisdom, and unmistakable spirit.  BeBo lived loudly, loved fiercely, and left behind a legacy of strength, humor, faith, and family that cannot be replaced — not even with duct tape.  He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever celebrated by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

BeBo will be cremated according to his wishes. Arrangements have been entrusted to Legacy Funeral Center: Scott Chapel, 921 Main Street, Jeffersonville.

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