Fred Russell
December 31, 1924 — June 19, 2015
Fred Albertson Russell, wonderful, loving husband, father, and grandfather, born December 31, 1924, in Canton, North Carolina to Thomas Burton Russell, and Mary Elizabeth Russell, went home to be with our Lord on June 19, 2015 in Schertz, Texas at the age of 90. Fred was a part of "the great generation" serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps, and U.S. Air Force for 22 years. He enlisted in 1943, serving in the 84th Troop Carrier Squadron that prepared for the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. During the Normandy campaign, his squadron released gliders over Cherbourg and carried troops, weapons, ammunition, rations, and other supplies supporting the 82nd Airborne Division. During WWII, he was also involved in flying supplies and gasoline to Lt. General George S. Patton's Third U.S. Army during the Battle of the Bulge. After WWII, he was stationed at Rhein-Main Air Force Base near Frankfurt and Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Bavaria. He continued his Air Force career resupplying U.S. Embassies throughout South America. After retiring from the Air force, Fred continued his service to the United States repairing aircraft at the Army Aeronautical Depot Maintenance Center (ARADMAC) in Corpus Christi, Texas. Fred was an active member of his church, Portland Revival Center, serving as a Deacon, board member, and grounds keeper. He always greeted everyone with a smile and a bulletin. It was a blessing to watch him pray and receive tithes and offerings every Sunday morning. He truly loved God and his church family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Burton Russell and Mary Elizabeth Russell; brothers, David W. Russell, Carl W. Russell, Rueben D. Russell, and sister Lilly Mae Sheppard. Fred is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Daphina Joan Russell; daughters, Linda Russell Grady, and husband, John Kevin Grady of Atlanta, Georgia, Karen Russell Sokol, and husband, Mark Patrick Sokol of Schertz, Texas, and one grandchild, Ryan Patrick Grady, of Cleveland, Tennessee. A Graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at 10:30AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Full United States Air Force Honors, Pastor Cory Webb officiating.
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