William S. Russell, CW4, US Army (Ret.)
WILMINGTON - William S. “Bill” Russell, of Wilmington and Cape May, NJ passed away on December 27, 2023, at age 96, after a brief illness.
He was the son of the late Luciea Finch and George Robert Russell.
Bill was a degree graduate of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Bill was drafted in 1950 and served continuously in the Army and Army Reserve until his retirement in 1989. After basic training during the Korean War, he became Personnel Sergeant and later Sergeant-Major of the 707th AAA Gun Battalion. He was appointed a Warrant Officer in 1955 and during the Berlin Crisis was assigned as Adjutant, U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Chaffee, Arkansas in 196162. His last military duty was as a Personnel Officer with the 78th Division at Pedricktown, NJ.
For his service, Bill was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, The Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf, the Good Conduct Medal, the Reserve Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
Bill was also employed by Chrysler Corporation as a Senior Financial Analyst and Staff Assistant in Newark, DE and Detroit, MI.
During his teenage years, Bill worked summers for the original Wilmington Blue Rocks and lived a kid’s dream the last year traveling with the team to locations around the old Interstate League.
Bill attended First Baptist Church of New Castle and Faith Baptist Church. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, the Retired Officers Association, and American Legion.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Nancy Lea (Potts) Russell; two sons Dr. Robert W. Russell and Ronald L. Russell (Pamela); and three grandchildren – Lauren, Phoebe, and Olivia.
In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by a sister, Betty A. Russell, and a grandson, Turner W. Russell. Bill was also predeceased by his loving canine partners Marty, Zachary, Rusty, and Peppy.
Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Wednesday, January 3 from 5-7 pm at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808. A funeral service will be held the following day, January 4, at 11 am at the funeral home. Entombment with military honors will follow the funeral at Silverbrook Cemetery.
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