SFC (Ret.) Gordon Lee Russell

SFC (Ret.) Gordon Lee Russell, age 93, passed away on May 17, 2012. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2101 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, GA 31906 with Dr. Buddy Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in Parkhill Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Sunday, May 20 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM.

SFC Russell was born on August 7, 1918 to the late James A. Russell and Annie Freeman in Gadsden, AL. He was a decorated soldier in the U.S. Army, having had tours in WWII and Vietnam. SFC Russell's awards include: National Defense Service Medal w/1 OLC, Good Conduct Medal w/ 8th Award, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), 1 Oversea Service Bar, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal w/1 OLC, Combat Medical Badge, Mechanic Driver Badge w/ 2nd Award, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Star & 1 Bronze Star, European Theater of Operation, WWII Victory Medal and eight Overseas Service Bars. He was a mentor with the Ft. Benning Drug Abuse program. SFC Russell was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Maria Russell of Columbus; two sons, Gerald Russell (Debbie) of Gadsden, AL and Robert Russell of Asheville, NC; one daughter, Diana Powell (Johnny) of Nashville, TN; one grandchild, Brandon K. Russell; two great-grandchildren, Christopher Russell and Brandon Lee Russell (Chelsea); one great-great-grandchild, Landen T. Russell; a special friend, John Tart and his beloved pet, Tasha.

Please visit www.shcolumbus.com to express condolences.