Roll Call Tribute

Harry C. Russell, Col. USAF (Ret) 

April 24, 1937 - July 7, 2024 

Colonel Harry C. Russell, age 87, was welcomed into his eternal home by Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, on July 7, 2024. He was born in McKinney, Texas, April 24, 1937. He graduated from Sherman High School, Sherman, Texas (1955); Texas A&M College, College Station, Texas, B.S. Civil Engineering(1960); and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, M.S. Civil Engineering(1975). A member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Corp of Cadets, Harry received his commission into the United States Air Force, January 1960.

During his military career, Harry served in six states, Germany, Spain, and Greenland. He functioned in many capacities and command roles. Harry had a distinguished military career serving his country honorably for 30 years. After retiring, Harry devoted his time and energy to his family, and his church. His interest in wood carving was piqued in Germany, and renewed interest came with retirement. Harry loved to sing. If the church or chapel he was attending had a choir, he was a member. He sang in the Bethel Christian’s Annual Living Christmas Tree Cantata, led Sunday School worship and participated in sing-a-longs at nursing homes. Harry served as a docent for the Air Force Museum and a volunteer with Hospice of Dayton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Billie Russell of Sherman, Texas, and a younger brother, Randy Russell of Georgetown, Texas. Harry was respected and honored as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; brother, friend, and mentor. Leaving to mourn his passing and rejoice at his heavenly arrival are his wife of 63 years, Sue Ulsh Russell, formerly of Port Trevorton, Pennsylvania; daughter, Kimberly (John) Mills of Anna, Texas and daughter, Bethany Russell of Miamisburg, Ohio; five grandchildren: Samuel(Christine) Mills, Schertz, Texas; Caleb Mills, Anna, Texas; James Mills(Alexandra), McKinney, Texas; Nathan Mills, Anna, Texas; and Amelie Russell, Miamisburg, Ohio; four great-grandchildren: Ezra, Asher, Josephine, and Everett Mills, Schertz, Texas. He is survived by his sister, Elaine(Arthur) Olson, Denison, Texas; and his brother, George Russell, Boulder, Colorado; many extended family members, and friends across the United States and the world.

Funeral services will be held at 12 pm on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at the Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel with Pastor Joe Horner officiating. Interment will follow at Dayton National Cemetery at 2 pm. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11am-12pm.