In the early 1900s, young William (Willy) Russell made his way from Cornwall, UK, to South Africa. Arriving in Queenstown (now Komani), he joined three friends to establish Mutual and Federal Joinery Works, where he worked as the resident carpenter.
In those days, people would approach the local carpenter to make a coffin as quickly as possible to facilitate a same day burial. William unexpectedly gained a lot of experience assisting family’s who had just had a death in the family. He would assist in transporting the coffin to the house, getting a grave dug and ultimately, getting the coffin to the local Cemetery.
The community came to trust him to assist them when a death accrued, and the next part of the Russell history started. The foundation…
In 1921, the Russell family laid the foundation for what would become a lasting legacy. Russell and Son Funeral Directors was established.
Alongside is the Russell family’s first basic horse drawn hearse. Now donated to the local museum.
Jeffrey Russell represents the 4th generation and worked for the family business where he received, his training in Funeral Directing, developed skills and learning the family’s business ethics. After relocating to Johannesburg, he gained extensive experience in the International Repatriation field.….. with absolute trust and integrity.