Lt. William R. “Russ” Russell, Sr., Lt., USN (Ret.), age 78, longtime Oak Harbor resident, died at McKinley’s Adult Family Home on Nov. 17, 2005, following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Russell was born on Nov. 24, 1926, in Stockton, Calif., to William Buell Russell and Tessie (O’Brien) Russell. He was raised in Stockton, where he graduated from high school. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II. Russ served during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, retiring in 1972 as a lieutenant.

On Dec. 23, 1951, Russ married Joyce Bennett in Paris, Tenn. They lived in San Diego, Memphis, Jacksonville, Brunswick, Ga., Pensacola, Corpus Christi, and NAS Whidbey Island, arriving her permanently in 1969. Following his retirement from the Navy, Russ was employed by the Lektrion Corp for several years. He was also a reserve police officer for the Oak Harbor Police Dept. Russ served on Citizens on Patrol. He was a member of Whidby Lodge 15 F&AM; the Retired Officers Association, Fleet Reserve, and was a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed archery, singing in the Whidbey Chorale, and singing in the choir at First United Methodist Church, where he was a member.

Russ is survived by his wife Joyce, at home; one son, William Russell Jr. and wife Cory of Oak Harbor; one daughter, Anne Elizabeth Sanders of Oak Harbor; four grandchildren, Ryan Beck of San Diego, Jason and Olivia Russell, both of Oak Harbor and Angela Trout of Anacortes. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Betty Denzer.

A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m. at Maple Leaf Cemetery, followed by a Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. p.m., Pastor Larry Rector officiating. Full Military Honors will be under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.