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RAYMOND L. RUSSELL, JR. Raymond L. Russell, Jr. , born in Brooklyn, NY in 1919, died in Honolulu on July 21, 2016. Ray fell in love with aviation as a boy and fulfilled his dreams as a Navy aviator beginning at Floyd Bennett field in NY in early 1941. Upon completion of training he was assigned as a flight instructor based in Pensacola, Florida. He served throughout WWII primarily escorting military and merchant ships, patrolling for and defending against enemy submarines, and performing search and rescue missions. After 1949, he became a commercial pilot, spending most of his career with Pan American Airways based in Europe with the IGS service, in Hong Kong where he flew R and R of troops based in Vietnam, in Honolulu with which he fell in love, and in Miami and San Francisco. He logged over 33,000 air miles at the controls of a variety of aircrafts (amphibious patrol bombers, DC 3's, 727's and 746's) over the course of his career. A citizen of the world, he never tired of exploring new places, meeting new people, and sharing his experiences. Most who knew him regard him as an unforgettable character, full of stories and jokes and a love of life. Ultimately, he retired to Honolulu, his proclaimed "paradise" for its gentle people, natural beauty and balmy weather. Ray is survived by his daughter Wondie Russell (Edward Steinman), son and namesake Raymond Lawrence Russell III (Judith Lehr), grandchildren Alexandra Russell and Matthew Steinman. The family thanks the Cheryll and Roger Apuya family who provided loving care in his last years, and the skilled, committed medical professionals at Trippler, the VA and its Geriatric Clinic, and Hospice Hawaii. A memorial service and inurnment is scheduled to take place at Punchbowl on August 17th at 1:00 PM. All are welcome.
RAYMOND L. RUSSELL, JR. Raymond L. Russell, Jr. , born in Brooklyn, NY in 1919, died in Honolulu on July 21, 2016. Ray fell in love with aviation as a boy and fulfilled his dreams as a Navy aviator beginning at Floyd Bennett field in NY in early 1941. Upon completion of training he was assigned as a flight instructor based in Pensacola, Florida. He served throughout WWII primarily escorting military and merchant ships, patrolling for and defending against enemy submarines, and performing search and rescue missions. After 1949, he became a commercial pilot, spending most of his career with Pan American Airways based in Europe with the IGS service, in Hong Kong where he flew R and R of troops based in Vietnam, in Honolulu with which he fell in love, and in Miami and San Francisco. He logged over 33,000 air miles at the controls of a variety of aircrafts (amphibious patrol bombers, DC 3's, 727's and 746's) over the course of his career. A citizen of the world, he never tired of exploring new places, meeting new people, and sharing his experiences. Most who knew him regard him as an unforgettable character, full of stories and jokes and a love of life. Ultimately, he retired to Honolulu, his proclaimed "paradise" for its gentle people, natural beauty and balmy weather. Ray is survived by his daughter Wondie Russell (Edward Steinman), son and namesake Raymond Lawrence Russell III (Judith Lehr), grandchildren Alexandra Russell and Matthew Steinman. The family thanks the Cheryll and Roger Apuya family who provided loving care in his last years, and the skilled, committed medical professionals at Trippler, the VA and its Geriatric Clinic, and Hospice Hawaii. A memorial service and inurnment is scheduled to take place at Punchbowl on August 17th at 1:00 PM. All are welcome.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
