Russell A. Achord, 48, a resident of West Feliciana Parish, died Wednesday January 17, 2018. He died while serving his community doing a job that he loved. He began as a volunteer firefighter with the West Feliciana Fire Protection District more than 24 years ago. He has had an accomplished career as a paramedic, a law enforcement officer and firefighter. The last three and a half years, he has served as the Deputy Fire Chief of West Feliciana Parish. Chief Achord has received numerous awards including an award for Valor in the line of duty. He also serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boys Scout of America Troop 61. Russell had a passion for serving and helping everyone he met, and he never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was proud to have beaten lymphoma in the summer of 2017.

Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church of St. Francisville on Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 5pm until 8pm and then on Monday, January 22, 2018 from 10am until funeral services at 12 noon. Burial will be in Star Hill Cemetery.

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Traci Castro Achord; daughter Lindsey; son Chandler; father David (Randy) Achord and his wife Dewanna; mother Shirley Cook and her husband George; two sisters Regina Breard and her husband Paul; Misty Fuller and her husband Matt; Mother and father in law Patti and Charley (Steamboat) Matherne; Sister in law Danielle Matherne; sister-in-law Angela Must and husband Lee; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by: Grandmother Mary Frances Chandler; Grandfather Millard Chandler; Grandmother Jan Achord; Grandfather Lester Achord; Step mother Linda Holley Achord; and beloved pet SaraRose. Honorary Pallbearers will be Thomas Eschete, Will Warren, Jimmy Dutsch, Paul Dutsch, James R. Wood, Walter Oliveaux, Matthew Hobson, Eddie Rawls, Les Achord III and Robert Triche.

The family wishes to thank the West Feliciana Hospital Staff; the West Feliciana Fire Department; the Zachary Fire Department; the West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office; and the West Feliciana EMS.

Donations may be made in his memory to the West Feliciana Fire Fighter’s Association Operating Account in Russell’s name.