TULSA -- Gary and Nita Sissell said they traveled from their home in Houston to Tulsa to attend Leon Russell's Memorial Service on Sunday. The couple is a part of the fan group, the Leon Lifers.
They said they've been following the rock 'n' roll legend across the country since the 70's.
"It helps me with closure. I've seen a lot of people I haven't seen in a while," said Gary Sissell.
"Leon got to know us as his lifers. He would sometimes ask, are any of our lifers here? So we've personally had conversations with him," said Nita Sissell.
Hundreds of people filled the Mabee Center remembering Russell, who died at age 74 in his sleep last week in his Nashville home. Fans and loved ones honored the Tulsa musician by singing his songs and talking about the good times they had with the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Famer.
"I love it, I love you Leon." said Leon Russell's friend Steve Ripley.
The City of Tulsa even declaring November 13th as Leon Russell Day.
"We will sing the songs for future generations and in anticipation of his artistry, his legacy, said Tulsa City Councilor Jeannie Cue.
"He was a legend. There's not many like him and his unique style and his unique look and he helped a lot of people," said Leon Russell Fan Deni Wheeler.
The Sissell's said although Russell is physically no longer here, his spirit and music lives on.
"We still intend to gather together and honor Leon for years to come," said Nita Sissell.
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