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R. C. Trussell
February 25, 1927 - March 15, 2014

Mr. R. C. Trussell of Cherokee Village died Saturday, March 15, 2014 at White River Medical Center in Batesville, Ark., at the age of 87 years and 18 days. He was born Friday, February 25, 1927 in Osceola, Ark. and had lived in Cherokee Village since 2004 and was formerly of Trumann. Mr. Trussell was a retired principal for the Trumann Public Schools from 1964 to 1982, was a probation officer, Navy veteran of World II and Korean War and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by one sister and his parents, Marshall Trussell and Trudy Cox Nelson. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Bennett Trussell of the home; two daughters, Tamara Grady of Trumann and Shonda Howard of Cherokee Village; two sons, Barry E. Trussell and Bryce Bowman both of Cherokee Village; one brother, Thomas Nelson of Az.; 6 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home with Dr. Jerry Wilcox officiating. Graveside committal service will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, AR., with Rev. Darrel Miller officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home. An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net

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  1. Linda (Phillips) Finch, Oakland,TN says
    March 27, 2014

    I am saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Trussell. He was my high school principal (1964-68) and I highly respected him. He provided leadership that ensured a quality education for students. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.May God bring comfort.

  2. Mary Lee Brock Cunningham, Jonesboro says
    March 26, 2014

    Lillian,I know that we are approaching two weeks since Mr. Trussell's passing, and you most likely are still in a kind of fog. Going on without one's beloved mate cannot be easy. There were so many people who's lives Mr. Trussell impacted through the years -- people whom he helped to see what a strong, courageous man looked like. He served honorably as our Principal at old THS while I was a student. I know that such comments seem insignificant in the face of your hurt and loss, but they do affirm that Mr. Trussell was a find man and that he made a difference in the lives of others.May God bless you and the family.

  3. Steve Enderlin, Smithville, MO says
    March 20, 2014

    RIP Mr. Trussell. You were a tough, but fair, principal.

  4. Tammy Williams McNatt, Trumann, AR says
    March 19, 2014

    My prayers go out to Mrs. T and the Family of Mr. T. I'm so thankful that I had him for a principal at THS. He was firm, Yet fair. We all respected him and he taught us respect. You will always be missed but never forgotten. Class of 1982.

  5. Scott inzer, Jonesboro ark says
    March 18, 2014

    Sorry for the loss he was a good man.

  6. Tony Clem, Ward, AR says
    March 18, 2014

    Sorry I can't be there to say goodbye. I will always treasure the way you treated me. I could always come to you for advice. Lee, I am so sorry I couldn't get out of work to be there. Know I am with you in spirit. My prayers for you and the family.

  7. Tim and Debbye Davis, Trumann, AR says
    March 18, 2014

    Mr. Trussell was a fine man that was loved and respected by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

  8. Sheila Harris, Shawnee, Kansas says
    March 18, 2014

    A memorable, imposing man, Carl commanded respect despite his dapper appearance and suave, dignified manner. May God be your refuge and strength in this time of grief. Blessings to all.

  9. John Coggins '79 , says
    March 18, 2014

    A positive role model for thousands of THS students. Mr. Trussell, RIP. Well done, sir. Thoughts and prayers with the family.

  10. Mike & Vivian Roberts, Horseshoe Lake Ar says
    March 17, 2014

    You will truly be missed by everyone.You are & were the kind of man that everyone should strife to be in his or her lifetime.

  11. Bob Stotts, Trumann says
    March 17, 2014

    Thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time. Bob and Bonnie Stotts and family

  12. Becky Baker Wiles, Rison, Ark says
    March 17, 2014

    Mr Trussell was a strict Principal but fair. I probably didn't think that when I was in school (class of 1974). But hopefully I'm a little smarter now. If we had more Mr Trussells now we would not have the same problems in our school. One of my memories is when the electricity went out & Mr Trussell stood in the middle of the hall ringing a hand bell for us to change classes. My sincere regrets the family, Mr Trussell was a great example to meBecky Baker Wiles

  13. Dan Brown, Nashville, TN says
    March 17, 2014

    Mrs. Trussell, My deepest sympathies and condolences. Mr. Trusselll was my HS principal there in Trumann '69-'73. A man among men. The world is a lesser place without him. God Bless.

  14. Lee Burrow, Blytheville, Ar says
    March 17, 2014

    My sympathies to you and your family. I worked with R.C. in the 1990's when he was a Probation Officer in Harrisburg. He was such a fun person to be around.God Bless

  15. Keith Watson, United States says
    March 17, 2014

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we thought a lot of Mr. Trussell.Keith

  16. Carole Diane Patton, Morrison, Illinois says
    March 17, 2014

    Thinking of you and your family during these sad times. May God Bless you and keep you safe and well in the days ahead. Prayers are with you.

  17. Lynn Teague and Family, Marked Tree Arkansas says
    March 17, 2014

    Good man and principal.

  18. Truitt Hobby, Cleveland, MS says
    March 17, 2014

    Had a great deal of respect for this guy. He was coach at Lepanto High School when I attended there. Our prayers will be with his family.

  19. Susan Crews Williams, Jonesboro, AR says
    March 17, 2014

    I'm very saddened that Mr. Trussell has passed away. I have nothing but fond memories of him. He cared about his students, as we did him. Prayers for his family during this difficult time. RIP Mr. Trussell. He made a positive impact in so many lives.

  20. Stan Cragg, Conway, AR says
    March 17, 2014

    Peaceful rest, Mr. Trussell...you were a good man! Thoughts and prayers are with the family...

  21. Shirley McClaughlin Redd, Jonesboro, AR says
    March 16, 2014

    As a member of the Class of 1973 from dear old Trumann High, I want to say that Mr Trussell was one of a kind and respected by me and others that went to school there. If students had him today there would be less problems than there is. God Bless his family in this lost and may there be peace in their grief. My thoughts go out to the family.

  22. Donna (Martin) Murphy, Cherokee Village Ar says
    March 16, 2014

    I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mr.Trussell from my school years.

  23. Tommy Yarbrough, Cherokee Village Ar says
    March 16, 2014

    I am so sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered as my Trumann High School Principal an Friend.

  24. Lisa Davies, Truman Ar says
    March 16, 2014

    Mrs.T. Sending love and prayers your way. I know you loved that man as much as he loved you. You both were great influences on my life!! With great admire ness the old Lisa Mcclaughlin Davies.

  25. Ricky Haynes, Jonesboro , Ar. says
    March 16, 2014

    I am thankful to have known him

  26. Paula G Fritton, Powder Springs, GA says
    March 16, 2014

    RIP Mr. Trussell. You taught me so much while in school. You will be miss by so many.

  27. Jenifer Prichard Mott, Flippin says
    March 16, 2014

    Prayers for each one of u.

  28. Oliver Hinds, Bay, AR says
    March 16, 2014

    Carl was a dear friend! He and I worked together at Trumann High from '64-'76. I will always cherish the many adventures we shared!!

  29. Sherry (Willis) McMunn, Marked Tree says
    March 16, 2014

    Great man. You are all in my prayers.Sherry(Trumann High Class of 1990)

  30. Kathy gott, Jonesboro says
    March 16, 2014

    I have so much respect and admiration for Mr. Trussell. He was kind and such sweet spirit. I remember him as fair and stern. Bless you all as you say goodbye for now. All my love and prayers.

  31. Judy Fortson Howerton, Jonesboro says
    March 16, 2014

    I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Trussell was one of the most respected men I have ever known. He is one of the first people to come to mind when someone mentions Trumann High.

  32. Camellia Wagner Ballard, Jonesboro Arkansas says
    March 16, 2014

    Sorry to hear that this wonderful man has passed. I remember Mr. Trussell from my school years! He was a man to be looked up to. Have wonderful memories of him and my high school years. I graduated in 1983, and had hoped he would wait one more year to retire. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Praying for you all!!!

  33. Jerome & Rebecca Simmons, Marked Tree says
    March 16, 2014

    We are so sorry for your loss. Mr Trussell was such a wonderful person. You and your family are in our prayers.

  34. Tim Crutchfield, Milton, Florida says
    March 16, 2014

    Mr. T you will be missed. You were such an inspiration and someone that many of us looked up to. My heart goes out to your family and may they be blessed and eased in the knowledge that you are now in a better place!

  35. Dale and Pam Wright, Marked Tree says
    March 16, 2014

    A great man and person who played a big part in a lot of peoples lives. We loved him and will miss him deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family

  36. Debby Watson, Bay, AR says
    March 16, 2014

    So very sorry to read of Mr. Trussell's passing. I remember him from my years in Trumann schools, he was a very nice, fair man. I send my sincerest sympathy and pray all his family find comfort during this time.Debby Cromwell WatsonClass of '77

  37. Diana and Danny Griffin, Trumann, Ar says
    March 16, 2014

    Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  38. jennifer guth-scott, lepanto, arkansas says
    March 16, 2014

    I remember Mr. Trussell when he was a probation officer. He was a very nice man and will be missed. My condolences to his family.

  39. Bryan Ruffin, Trumann, AR says
    March 16, 2014

    Mr Trussel was tough as a Principle! You didn't even think about breaking rules in his halls! You broke 'em, you paid for it. Simple. No one was exempt. No one was above the rest. He earned the respect of even the biggest, "tough" , guys around! I considered it a privilege to have known him. I thought it an honor to have been in school during his tenure. Rest in Peace, Mr Trussel.Thank You for your time and dedication.

  40. Tabitha Pinks , says
    March 16, 2014

    Love you Pawpaw!

  41. George & Beth Nunnally, Bentonville, AR says
    March 16, 2014

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

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