George R Russell of Clearwater, FL took his last earthly breath in his home surrounded by his family Wednesday, Jan 23 2008.
Because he went much faster than it was assumed he would, he did not follow the proto typical stages, but then again, George always wanted to do things his way. Once he had made peace with God and understood that his family knew how much he loved them and that everything was okay, he decided to let go. George had a strong relationship with his Lord and Savior and was not afraid to die.
George, who has been a resident of Clearwater for over 30 years, was born in Eldorado IL where he was a member of First Christian Church during his youth. After graduation from Eldorado High school, George toured the world while serving in the United States Navy on board the aircraft carrier USS Rendova. His diary of this trip has been enjoyed by his family. After five years of service in the navy he earned a BA degree at the University Of Southern Illinois with a major in Political Science and a Minor in Economics and Business Administration. Most of his employment years were spent in Sales Management where he received numerous awards. He took early retirement and in his senior years took a part time job where he worked at Autoway Dodge until his recent illness.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy Russell of Eldorado and survived by his devoted wife, Sherry, of 46 years, his beloved children; Larry, Remington and Jennifer of Clearwater, FL., David Russell of Charlotte NC., a daughter by a previous marriage, Ann Whiteside of Chillicothe MO and Mikey, his most beloved Feline.
Special thanks to Hospice of Clearwater for their extraordinary care and support of a family not ready to accept the death of their father and husband. This remarkable group was truly a God send as they helped to create a calm atmosphere of compassion and love for everyone concerned, and one in which thoughts and feelings were able to be conveyed in a peaceful setting. We cannot speak enough about the generosity of this organization. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Hospice Foundation of the Florida Suncoast – www.thehospice.org .
The memorial service was held on Monday Jan. 28, 10 am at Bay Pines National Cemetery, Bay Pines FL.
Arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, Florida 33760.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Dear Sherry and family,
You have all been in my thoughts and prayers these last few days – please know we are lifting you in pray at this difficult time.
Love, Ann and children
My deepest sympathy to the Russell family. It’s always hard on the surviving family members, no matter how the person departs from this earthly existence to a better one. May he rest in peace.
I was shocked to hear of about his illness and his sudden death… I’ve only met George a few times and he seemed like a nice man… His son Remingtonaka Wells!!! and i have been friends for almost twenty years now… I’m sure George will be missed by his friends and family…
Dear Shari, Remington, Jennifer, Larry and David, We are so sorry for your loss. George was always ready with a wave or hello whenever we saw him. He will be missed. Love and prayers, Jerry and Rose
I will miss Pop so very much. I will miss his so called “short cuts” that he would always take me on whenever we would be driving around town. Trust me, some of them would take us on some real adventures. I will miss his laughter that would bellow out from the Living room while he was watching one of his favorite programs on TVLand. He loved the classics like The Andy Griffith Show, The Munsters, and Mama’s Family. He really got a kick out of those classic T.V. shows.
Dad was the kind of man who would really do anything for his entire family and especially me. I really don’t know where I would be now without his love and understanding. He had such unconditional love for me. I really cannot express in words what that meant to me.
Dad didn’t have a whole lot of friends here in Clearwater like he did back in his hometown of Eldorado, IL but the word I hear from the people he worked with as well as others he came into contact with is “Sweet Man” Dad was a sweet man and I will miss him dearly.
Dad is in a much better place now, in the Kingdom of Heaven, and I am absolutely positive he will always be watching over his family from above. Dad has just moved on to the life we all strive to get to each and every day. I will see you once I am finished here Pops.
Love you forever!
Your Son,
Larry
Remington has been my friend for most of my life and I know how important his family is to him. My prayers are with the family. A kind donation has been made to the Hospice in the name of Goerge R Russell. Peace and love always,
Tanya
Dear Russell Family,
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to our good friend Larry and his family. We know that George will be sorely missed by his friends and family. We are truly sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this sad time.
George Langan
Janet Langan
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God bring you peace and comfort.
Bless you,
Kathy Thomas
I am so sorry that your family has lost such a sweet husband and father. His smile and laughter will be remembered by all who knew him. He was a very special cousin and we will miss him very much. Our prayers ask that you have comfort in your time of sorrow and that George is now at peace and watching over all of you.
When i met the Russells in 1972 we were in school together Jenney and me I’ll miss mr. russell terribly Jenny i will Stil be thinking oj you.
My dad was a special guy. When I was down and depressed he would always try to cheer me up. I am going to miss him alot. I love him very much.
Though I did not ever met George, I work with his son Larry and have seen and shared the love he carries for his father through him. May your sweet memories carry you through this tough time. God Bless.
To the Russell Family. We are very sorry for your loss. We offer our deeped condolances. We will miss Mr. Russell very much.
Sincerely,
The Hales
To the Russell Family. We are very sorry for your loss. We offer our deepest condolances. We will miss Mr. Russell very much. We will always have fond memories of him.
Sincerely,
The Hales
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Russell, Larry, Wells, Jenny and David. I have been a part of the Russell family for 25 years and have many fond memories of Mr. Russell. He was a very kind man who always greeted me with a smile as I entered the house. He would always ask how the family was with genuine interest that you would find with true friends. I will miss chatting with him as he sat in his favorite chair snacking on something Mrs. Russell had whipped up. I will miss his generosity in driving Larry and I all around town throughout the years. A “thanks Pops”, was the only payment accepted.
Mr. Russell loved his family and friends very much and I’m honored to be a part of it.
If the measure of a man is through is family, then Mr. Russell is smiling proudly down upon his.
I will miss you “pops”
The following members of the V.F.W. Honor Guard were priviledgedto be part of the service at Bay Pines to honor George for his service to our country:
Bud Burket-Captain
Dayle Stevens-Chaplain
Len Davis-Sgt. of the Guard
Vern Covell-Rifleman
Jim Sills-Rifleman
Rick Hollenstein-Rifleman
Nancy Campbell-Bugler
Thank you for your generous donation to our post and please accept our sincere condolences and may George rest in peace.
I was very previledged to have such a loving father as I did. He was always willing to help when ever he could. He was a man that put his family and friends before his needs. He also had a great sense of humor. My father, “that sweet man” will be missed.
Dear Sherry and Family,
Our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
May God Bless you,
Your Neighbors
John and Amie Quattrocki
Dad was a very nice and kind man to all who met him. He loved us very much and would be very proud of his family’s faith and strength. We will all miss him.
in 1972 I met Jenny in school. we rode the bus together for a few yrs and developed a really tight friendship that has lasted over 30 yrs now…..The best memory i have of mr. russell is that when Jenny and I went to reach out every Friday evening We got to ride in a New model car… He worked for Stone Buick here in clearwater fla. at the time. He was a nice man and he will be missed…….There will never be another man like George Russell. When thay made George Ressell, they broke the mold. Mrs. Russell I will always miss you……Love forever Alice.