Wesley Leroy Russell

Wes, a high school valedictorian was accepted to Tuskegee Institute circa 1959, where he joined the United States Airforce ROTC program and the Tuskegee Institute football team. Wes later conducted his first solo flight in ROTC and was steps closer to fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a United States Air Force pilot. Unfortunately, a football injury forced his exit from both the football team, and the ROTC program. The loss of his ROTC scholarship would follow. After 9 months of healing and aided by the persistence and perseverance of his fiancé, Wes was able to secure a scholarship and position in the Engineering program to continue his education.

Wes married his college sweetheart, Geraldine Knowles in 1959 in Tuskegee, Alabama. Wes later graduated from Tuskegee Institute in 1963 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.

In 1963, Wes accepted a position with General Dynamics. Among his many achievements, Wes received a letter of commendation, in support of Telecommunication Projects at Tinker Air Force Base, 1974. Highly regarded amongst his peers, Wes retired at age 60 in San Diego as a top Program Manager at BAE Systems.

After his retirement, Wes lived a quiet life in his Bonita, California home. He loved spending time with family and friends, hosting parties, socializing, camping, tinkering, and spending time with Gerry in their yard and garden.

On Monday, June, 17 2024, one day after Father’s Day, Wes peacefully passed away at home in Bonita, California. Wes and Gerry enjoyed 64+ years of marriage together. Gerry, and family were by his side.

Wes is survived by his wife Geraldine, and his children; Derek, Dante, Deirdre and Derwin. Daughter-in-laws Virginia and Simone, Grandchildren Derek, Nicole, Travis, Cree, Brooke, Shyanne, Asiah, Angelo, Jordyn, Jaelyn, and Jeysyn as well as great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Wes is preceded in death by his parents Pearlie L. Russell and Claude Mae Menniefee, and brothers Rozzell, Frazier, Pearlie B., and Johnnie Lee.

A visitation for Wesley will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 6556 Park Ridge Blvd, San Diego, CA 92120. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6556 Park Ridge Blvd, San Diego, CA 92120. A celebration of life reception will occur Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 6556 Park Ridge Blvd, San Diego, CA 92120. A graveside service will occur Saturday, July 6, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902.