Russell James Sobieski

Mr. Russell James Sobieski – age 90, a native of Cicero, IL and a resident of Mobile, AL for the past 65 years, took the last flight on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at his residence. Mr. Sobieski was a U.S. Army Air Corp. veteran of World War II. He served as a single engine fighter pilot serving in the Air offensive Europe Campaign, Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland. He earned numerous Military Medals including: the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the American Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Service Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Sobieski enjoyed a career as an air traffic controller and guided Mobilians and travelers safely to and from Brookley and Bates Field. In 1981 he retired and enjoyed golfing and deep sea fishing for 31 years. He was a member of Sage Avenue Baptist Church and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Norma Laverne Sobieski; three daughters, Barbara Lynn Cain, Janet Wilson, and Debra Bethea; four grandchildren, Angela Lynn Cain, Brian Rayburn, Dustin Scott, and Chelsea Scott; and one great-grandson, Brooks, and multiple four legged friendly strays who needed a home. Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Tuesday, October 1, 2012 from the chapel of Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1 P.M. until 2 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment with full Military Honors will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens.