Charles A. Russell

RUSSELL, CHARLES A. Charles A. Russell, 82, of Holly Hill, died October 19th after a short illness. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Charles grew up in Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Northwestern University in 1950. Following five years as an officer in the U. S. Air Force, Charles began a quarter century career with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations in Washington D.C. as a civilian Special Agent. While in Washington D.C., Charles earned a Juris Doctor (JD) from Georgetown University and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in international relations from The American University.

As Chief of the Acquisitions and Analysis Division of the Counterintelligence Directorate he pioneered efforts to capture and evaluate information regarding espionage and terrorist activities targeting the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. government. An internationally recognized authority regarding Hostile Intelligence Services and transnational terrorist groups, Charles served as an instructor and lecturer for a variety of U.S. and allied military counterintelligence agencies. He authored numerous articles and chapters for books dealing with espionage and terrorism issues. He served as an expert witness before several Congressional Committees on various aspects of the terrorist threat. His efforts were recognized by several foreign governments and upon retirement Charles was awarded the Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. Charles subsequently played a key role in the creation of Risks International, a consulting firm located in Alexandria, Virginia which provided a wide range of counter terrorist and personal security support for U.S. and foreign firms.

In 1979 he and his beloved wife of 56 years, Shirley, moved to Ormond Beach where they both were active for more than 20 years in the Social Services Ministry of Prince of Peace Catholic Church. During this period Charles also served as a Minister to the Sick as well as a Hospice volunteer. Charles was a talented photographer, avid sailboat enthusiast and dog lover.

Charles is survived by his wife Shirley as well as a daughter, Leslie Russell Belt and her husband David of Raleigh, N.C.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on October 26th at 10:30am. Burial in Volusia Memorial Park with be private at a later date. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, donations may be made to Prince of Peace Social Services. Arrangements are under the care and trust of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach, FL.