Russell "Bretz" Linger Jr.

Russell Bretz Linger, Jr., of Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2015. He was 94 years old. Bretz was born to Russell B. Linger, Sr. and Aida Baughman Linger in Winter Haven, FL. He graduated from Pensacola High School and attended the University of Florida. He served in WWII in the Army Air Corps as a B-26 Marauder pilot and flew missions on D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and in the European Campaign. Bretz had a distinguished civilian career at Pensacola Naval Air Station, working in aviation mechanics, ejection seat engineering, and with the Bureau of Naval Weapons until his retirement. Bretz was preceded in death by his first wife of 61 years, Naomi Ruth Gay Linger; his parents; and sisters, Patricia Swaine and Jo Ann Gardner. He is survived by his wife, Phebe Annelle Linger; brother, Wilmon N. Linger(Carolyn) of Smiths Grove, KY ; sister, Ruth L. Elder of Valdosta, GA; son, Russell B. Linger, III (Carol), Knoxville, TN; daughter, Bonnie L. Buck (John) Pensacola, FL; step-daughter, Page Sternung (Erik); grandchildren, Lisa L. Eddins (Carey), Theodore, AL, Mark R. Linger (Candice),Nashville, TN, John Russell Buck (Veronica), Pensacola, Fl; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Benjamin and Abigail Eddins, Arabella and Pearl Linger, Aubrynn Buck; step great- grandsons Mazin Brown and Spencer Sternung; and nieces and nephews. Bretz was a charter member of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities throughout the years. He served as a Stephens Minister and was a faithful member of Jim Ross Life Group, Messiah SSC, Men's Bible Study, Ruth Knights Bible Study, and the Pensacola Beach Elks Club. He loved the Lord and shared that love with many people throughout his life. His greatest pride was his family and he loved getting together with them often. He served as a Guardian ad Litem for children's services and was very active as an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America. He loved to travel and was always planning the next trip. He visited all 48 contiguous states and Alaska. He was privileged to visit the WWII Memorial as part of the "Honor Flight". He made a trip to England and France to visit all the places where he was stationed in WWII. He loved and served his country well. He was an avid Blue Wahoo and race car fan, attended first race ever held at Five Flags Speedway and attended the Snowball Derby many times. He was a great lover of animals and will be missed by his dog, Cece. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church.Family will receive friends on Sunday, June 14, 2015 from 2:00 pm -3:00pm service time at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairpoint Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Burial to follow to Bayview Memorial Park for his final rest with honors.