Rusell James Vicknair

(November 8, 1943 - June 9, 2026)

Rusell James Vicknair passed away on June 9, 2026, at the age of 82.

He was born on November 8, 1943, to the late Joseph and Thelma Vicknair. He grew up in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, with deep roots in French Settlement, a heritage he was proud of and explored through his love of family genealogy. As a young boy, Rusell served as an altar boy at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1961. At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana.

After his military service, Rusell met Patricia Kelleher, who became his wife and the mother of his three children. They made their home in Prairieville, Louisiana, where he worked for many years as a carpenter at the Uncle Sam Plant, retiring from IMC-Agrico Company. Even after retirement, he continued his love of carpentry by building custom pieces for friends and family. Rusell was also a founding member of the Eastside Hunting Club in Loranger, Louisiana, where he developed a lifelong passion for hunting whitetail deer. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, especially watching them participate in sports and sharing his love of hunting with them.

Rusell is survived by his children, Gabriel Ariel Vicknair (Sophie), Micah Angele Vicknair Bergeron (Joshua “Byrd”), and Joel Michael Vicknair (Olivia); his grandchildren, Jai David Bergeron, Koen Joseph Vicknair, Roman Gabriel Vicknair, Haddie Gail Bergeron, Lily Grace Vicknair, Della Ruth Vicknair, Ellis Shepherd Vicknair, and Theodore Rhodes Vicknair; and his brothers, Scottie Vicknair and Danny Vicknair.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sidney Vicknair Sr. and Thelma Settoon Vicknair, and his brother, Joseph Sidney Vicknair Jr.

Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial service on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, 100 West Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the service begins at 10:30 a.m.

Interment will follow at Ponchatoula Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.