Russell "Bill" William Mengel Jr.

Russell William “Bill” Mengel, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, accomplished entrepreneur, and devoted father and grandfather, passed away on October 22, 2026, in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he had made his home in retirement.

Born August 15, 1941, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Bill was the son of the late Russell William Mengel Sr. and Ada (Johnson) Mengel. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Nicole (Shurr) Mengel, in 2022.

Bill graduated from Dickinson College, where he served as president of his Phi Delta Theta fraternity. His college years helped shape the leadership, ambition, and independent spirit that would define his life.

Bill served ten years in the United States Army, including two tours of active duty in Vietnam. His distinguished military service was recognized with numerous honors and decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars. During his military career, he also earned a master’s degree from the University of Arizona before leaving the Army in 1971.

Following his military service, Bill embarked on a successful career as an entrepreneur and business owner, leading EAI Corporation in Abingdon, Maryland. His business ventures took him around the world, allowing him to build lasting relationships, and pursue his passion for innovation and enterprise. His visionary insights were the nidus for projects that revolutionized app based weather and local sports. Bill was particularly proud of his work with Center for Domestic Preparedness following 9/11.

Retirement did little to diminish Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit or his lifelong curiosity. Through business consulting and mentorship, he found particular satisfaction in sharing the knowledge and experience he had gained over decades, helping others navigate challenges and pursue their own ambitions. He believed in the value of hard work, ingenuity, and the courage to explore new opportunities.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill had a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and wide-open spaces of the American West. He especially loved Wyoming, where he spent time before eventually settling in Georgia. The sweeping landscapes and sense of freedom he found in the West reflected his adventurous nature and independent spirit.

Yet, for all his accomplishments and adventures, Bill’s greatest joy was his grandchildren who were the spark of his life, and he delighted in their accomplishments, personalities, and the time they shared together.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Lauren Sanders and her husband, Steve, of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Alyssa Moyer and her husband, Shawn, of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania; his three cherished grandchildren, Emily Sanders, a freshman at the University of Georgia, and Jacob and Andrew Sanders; and his faithful canine companion, Charlie.

Bill will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, intellectual curiosity, entrepreneurial drive, and generosity in sharing his wisdom with others. He approached life with determination, embraced opportunity with enthusiasm, and took great pride in the people and endeavors to which he devoted himself.

His legacy lives on in the businesses he built, the people he mentored, the country he served, and, most importantly, the family he loved so dearly.