Billy Dale Russom, 76, of Corning, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Saint Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Billy was born on December 4, 1949, in Beech Grove, Arkansas, to Milburn and Arlene Russom. He attended Arkansas State University before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee. In 1974, he returned to Northeast Arkansas and opened his dental practice in Corning, where he served the community for over fifty years.

On September 14, 1973, he married Jean, who remained his devoted wife of more than fifty-two years.

Billy was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting whitetail deer, turkey, and quail, enjoying memorable hunts across the country. He was passionate about barbecue and enjoyed building his own smokers and grills. He loved to read. He could often be found supervising any task within eyesight to ensure it was done properly. He never met an argument he couldn't win—or at least refuse to lose. Those who knew him best would agree he was as hardheaded as he was loving.

He is survived by his wife, Jean (Carr) Russom of Corning, Arkansas; three children, Brandon Dale Russom and wife Jessica of Corning, Arkansas, Carrie Jean Quraishi and husband JR of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Cody Lee Russom and wife Stephenny of Knob, Arkansas; one brother, Randy Russom and wife Leslie of Beech Grove, Arkansas; seven grandchildren: Emma Grace Russom, Ellie Jean Russom, Brady Dale Russom, Cade Houston Quraishi, Logan Lee Russom, Catherine Orine Quraishi, and Betty Jean Russom; and one great-grandchild, Hadley Mae Mallard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milburn and Arlene (Rowland) Russom.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at noon in the Ermert Funeral Home Chapel, with the funeral service following at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Billy Russom Memorial Scholarship Fund at Black River Trap & Skeet Club, c/o Jim Clifton.