Edgar A. Russell

Eddie was born in 1923 in Chanute, Kansas, the son of Agnes and George Russell. His family included his younger brothers Frank Russell, Ronald and Donald Chittenden. He enlisted into the Coast Guard when he was 17, and became a cook on the ship, and was awarded the nickname “Catfish”. While spending time in West Palm Beach he met his future wife, Mae Rudd. They married on February 23, 1943, during World War II. He was out to Sea when his first child, James, was born in December. After World War II Eddie and Mae lived in West Palm Beach, and in 1946 Eddie decided to move the family to Missouri and open their own restaurant. Missouri, it turned out, was not a suitable location for the young family so far away from the rest of Mae’s family. His brother-in-law, James Rudd, arrived to help them and they returned to West Palm Beach. Eddie became a chef for Howard Johnson‘s, until 1950 when he and Mae learned that they were expecting their second child. At that time he decided to make a career change and went to work for the Life Insurance Company of Georgia. Soon, they welcomed their second child Glenda. Eddie had a long and successful career with the Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He was an agent in West Palm Beach until 1957, when he was promoted to be the District Manager of the office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He remained the district manager until 1988, when he retired. Eddie’s staff was very important to him, and many became like family. Eddie’s own family continued to grow, as his grandchild, Carey, was born and became the apple of his eye. Carey, and her husband John brought three lovely great grandchildren into his life: Grady, Wes and Dusty. Eddie loved golf, fishing, gambling, and nature. He enjoyed many happily retired years with Mae, and their family until 2013 when Mae passed away. In 2015 Eddie moved into Williamsburg Landing, an assisted living facility in Wilton Manors, the community he was so familiar with. He enjoyed five very happy years at Williamsburg, where he was very much at home and enjoyed singing to the staff and other residents every day. They quickly nicknamed him ‘Lucky Eddie’. Following a very peaceful day with his beloved staff, and a helping of ice cream, he laid down and went to sleep for the last time. Lucky Eddie. Survived by his son James Russell and daughter in law, Suzanne Dickens, Glenda and Bruce Connolly his daughter and her husband; Carey and John Connolly his granddaughter and her husband; and his three great grandsons Grady Wes and Dusty, and brothers Ronald and Donald. Arrangements entrusted to Edwards Cremation & Funeral Services, Wilton Manors. Online condolences can be shared at edkalis.com. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local food bank in Eddie’s name. Thank you.