Ronald Lowell Russell

RONALD LOWELL RUSSELL, 95, died at home on Sunday, September 2, 2018. Funeral Mass will be Friday, September 14, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI, 48439. Family will receive loved ones at church at 9:30 a.m. Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery and a luncheon at Holy Family Church. Proud WWII U.S. Army veteran and 1949 graduate of the University of Michigan College of Engineering, Ron was born June 18, 1923, in Ithaca, Mich., to parents R. Nathaniel and Hazel (Meyer) Russell. He grew up in Flint and married his college sweetheart, Dorothy (Bubin), in 1945. An auto engineer for most of his career, Ron worked at Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, and Nissan -- with a long stint at Chevrolet. A brilliant student and meticulous professional, Ron enjoyed diverse pursuits. He played Hawaiian guitar in the school band and taught high school math, while still in high school. He trained flame thrower teams and commanded a canine unit when in the military. He kept records of every gas purchase for all trips, including terrific vacations and Sunday visits to see family. He enjoyed a post-retirement career as an auto industry consultant, where he grew to love his second home, Nashville. Known to many as “Cowboy Ron,” he discovered in mid-life that he was born to wear a Stetson and boots. A fan of history, the arts, and Michigan football, Ron enjoyed John LeCarre novels, the original Pink Panther films, and the music of Cleo Laine, Chet Atkins, and Frank Sinatra, to name just a few. He was a passionate Michigan Man and Wolverine through and through. Ron will be remembered as a gentleman and a gentle man, who, in his final hours, made sure to thank his caretakers for such excellent service. The family would especially like to acknowledge the wonderful Medical Team Hospice, as well as the Med Team and staff at Abbey Park.

Surviving are wife, Dorothy, and children Robert (Ghada), Marilynn (Michael), Timothy (Veronica), and Deborah (Barry); 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Carole (David). Memorial tributes can be made to the “Carole Russell Endowment” at Keene State College Child Development Center. Checks should be payable to Keene State College (memo line: Carole Russell Endowment). Address: Advancement Services, Keene State College, 229 Main Street, Keene, NH 03435. Online donations: www.keene.edu/donate (designation: other -- Carole Russell Endowment).