Raymond Woodrow Russell's Obituary
Raymond Woodrow Russell February 3, 1917 ~ May 10, 2015Raymond (Woody) Russell, born February 3, 1917 , 98 years old, went to be with the Lord Sunday, May 10, 2015. He lived the last 5 years in the care and home of his daughter, Mary Lynn Berner in Broken Arrow, OK. Prior to that he enjoyed retirement in Lake Placid, FL for 30 years with his beloved wife, Gladys, who preceded him in death July 6, 2009. During retirement he enjoyed fishing regularly in Lake Placid, also, excelling in shuffleboard, stain glass, and playing pinochle. He and Gladys traveled throughout the US and many foreign countries. Woody worked with professionalism and strong work ethic at Westerheide Sheet Metal in E. St. Louis, IL prior to retirement. After returning from WWII he worked as an apprentice at Eddings Brothers Sheet Metal in Carbondale, IL. He served as a gunner on the B17 in Europe during WWII flying 50 missions over enemy occupied countries. He was a devout Christian man who served the Lord in the Southern Baptist Church wherever he lived. He was known as the man to go to for help and could always come up with a solution for a problem. He was very creative and had a very successful life, but, humbly denied it. Woody was the youngest of 11 children and is survived by 2 daughters, Mary Lynn Berner, Broken Arrow, OK and Janice Kay Gallant Bluffton, SC, 3 grand children, Michael Berner, Betsey George, and Joshua Gallant, 4 great grand children and nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service in his honor was held Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 11:00 am at Mary Lynn Berner’s home with fellowship meal immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations Can be given in his name, to: Rhema Bible Church, 1025 W. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow.
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