Russell Steven Williams, 78, of Laguna Woods, died Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Hoag Hospital in Irvine.<br><br>Known as “Mister” to wife Judy, “Dad” to children Damon, Chalice and Thaddeus, “Big Brotha” to Claudio, “Poppy/Grampa” to ten grandchildren, “Mr. Wills” to his Journalism, English and Photography students at Mission Viejo High, “Coach” to basketball teams at MVHS and several community youth baseball and soccer teams. As an 8th-degree Master, Russ was known as “Sifu.” He owned Kung Fu San Soo of Saddleback Valley for over 40 years. Russ was an accomplished and respected scholar of Comparative Religion, holding Bible studies and lectures in many venues.<br><br>Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”<br><br>Celebration of Life: Sunday, June 29, 3 p.m., Mission Hills Church, 24162 Alicia Parkway, Mission Viejo. Questions, 949-278-0137. Memorial donations: Special Olympics (support.specialolympics.org), St. Jude’s Hospital for Children (st.jude.org), Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) or your choice. Thank you.<br><div><br></div>