Randall “Randy” Henry Russell, 72, of Orange, VA passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at Mountain View Nursing Home. He was born on March 7, 1950, in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Leland and Eleanor Russell.
Mr. Russell served our country in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corp.
Randy spent his life in service of God and others and was an active member in his church’s youth group as a boy. He was also a talker who loved to share stories and jokes with everyone. As a young man, Randy became a dedicated husband to his wife, Kathryn, while also serving as a naval aviator in the United States Marine Corp, piloting the OV-10B. He was an avid runner and once ran the San Diego Marathon. Randy and Kathryn became parents to a son, Tige, and a daughter, Tara. Soon after, Randy resigned his commission, finding work as a company pilot and sales representative. He started an insurance sales business in Minnesota where he was active in his community by coaching youth ice hockey, playing adult league ice hockey, participating in Barbershop music competitions, acting in local theater, directing youth choirs, and supporting all activities in which his children were involved. Randy also loved to fish and hunt, which he did often. Later, Randy attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN and accepted his first call as pastor to Zion Lutheran Church in Owego, NY. As a pastor, he became a mentor to many young people as they sought service to the Lord. After his time in New York, he entered military service as a chaplain and later retired to live near his daughter in Orange, VA. During his service on the east coast, Randy and Kathryn became recreational bicyclist, taking their tandem bike for rides around local battlefields. This was a hobby that Randy loved to share with anyone who wanted to ride. Randy was given a number of beautiful grandchildren, whom he enjoyed watching grow. He was able to share his love of fishing with them while he enjoyed watching their youth baseball games and in-home dance and music recitals. Randy gave his grandchildren the same love of sharing stories and jokes.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn Ann Russell; his daughter, Tara Ann Eleanor Edelberg (Zach) of Orange, VA; his son, Tige Randall Lee Henry Russell (Jean) of Berkshire, NY; his brothers, Tom Russell (Margo), and Dean Russell (Donna); his sister, Peggy Walz (Bill); five grandchildren, Aubrey, August, Ada, Alma, and Ashllen; and great granddaughter, Marissa Patrick.
The family will receive friends on August 1, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Preddy Funeral Home, Orange, VA.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2416 Jefferson Park Ave. Charlottesville, VA 22903, with Pastor Bill Carr officiating.
Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at Culpeper National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Legion Post 156, PO Box 761 Orange, VA 22960.
An online guestbook is available at www.preddyfuneralhomes.com
Preddy Funeral Home of Orange, VA is handling the arrangements.
Share On: