Harold Russell Hair II

Harold Russell Hair, II, 90, of St. Simons Island, departed this life Monday, March 20, 2023 at Magnolia Manor Nursing Home on St. Simons Island. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at St. William Catholic Church.

Born October 17, 1932 in Augusta, Georgia to the late Harold Russell and Margaret O. Hair, Russ was always a true believer in service to our country starting with attending the Richmond Academy (then a military prep school) and subsequently joining the corps of cadets at the Citadel in Charleston, SC. Russ was also a Korean War Era Veteran serving in the US Army, and also served in other branches in capacities within the DOD.

Thereafter, he proceeded to Texas and obtained his advanced degrees at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX subsequently joining and becoming a proud employee of NASA in Houston, Texas contributing to the pioneering US space endeavors including Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. Upon leaving NASA, Russ joined the Veterans Administration as an administrator first in the greater Los Angeles area and subsequently in an administrative position at the VA hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Russ spent his youth summers in the Sea Island/Saint Simons Island and retired to the area he cherished and loved.

In addition to his parents, his wife, Gloria Messina Hair, a sister in law, Mildred J. Amoruso, brother in law, Anthony V. Amoruso, sister in law, Mary Jane Riordan, brother in law, Robert J. Riordan, and a nephew, Anthony V. Amoruso Jr, MD., preceded him in death.

Survivors include a nephew, Paul Amoruso and wife Vickie, niece, Patrice McCann and husband Kevin, a sister in law, Barbara Murphy, a brother in law, Fred Murphy, nieces, Janine Cheresnick, and Sally Coughlin and husband Sean, Nephews, Chris Murphy and Sean Murphy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider any donations to be made to Saint Williams Roman Catholic Church, Saint Simons Island, GA.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com