George Russell

Great Great Grandfather, born in Santa Rosa County Florida, son of Earl and Sarah Russell from Dixonville, FL., passed away the morning of October 31, 2025 in his sleep. George had several wonderful careers and adventures over his almost 95 years. His 20 years serving as a U.S. Air Force officer was the source of much happiness, pride and opportunity. His career in the Air Force took George to Arizona where he married Barbara Godfrey and had 4 children, Donald Ray, Steve, Denise and Kevin. He also served in Adana Turkey and Vietnam 1967/1968. George retired from the Air Force in 1968 in Tacoma Washington and married Marie-France Girard (Mimi Russell). They were married for 57 years. Delphine, their daughter was born in 1969 in Florida.

After teaching some years in Santa Rosa county, George decided to change careers. He worked with Bell Helicopter in Teheran, Iran during the Iranian Revolution in 1979. In the early 1980’s, George joined Northrop in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia for several years. 1986 brought him to Washington DC for yet another career with the U.S. Government as a supervisor at Department of Housing and Urban Development. George and family lived in Crystal city for 12 years and moved to the Belle Haven community in Alexandria in 1998 where he spent 26 years and enjoyed his friends and neighbors in Belle Haven and working in his yard. George is survived by his wife Mimi and 4 of his children, Steve, Denise, Kevin and Delphine. George loved to travel by car or airplane wherever he could think of going, but we all know he had a special love for the beauty and culture of France! Another great love was tennis. He enjoyed being part of Golden Racquets tennis club for many years. Yet, George’s main true love was his family, both immediate and distant where he was always the super glue of the Russell family in every possible way. He was very proud to have had a significant impact in all 13 of his grandchildren’s lives and memories and even his Great Grandchildren.

Absolutely all who had the benefit of having George in their lives are aware of the tremendous gift of his love and friendship. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A Celebration of George T. Russell will be at Arlington Cemetery at a later date likely several months in the future. We will update.