Obituary
Sunrise – September 23, 1929
Sunset – April 18,2016
Russell was born at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Dayton, Ohio on September 23, 1929. His parents were Russell and Mary Elizabeth Speilman Long.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Osborne Long, who he married on February 18th, 1956. He is also survived by his daughter, Stacie Elizabeth; son, Stephen Russell Long; son, Jarod Michael Long; grand-daughter, Lacey Renee Bell; grand-daughter, Olivia Monique Long; grandson, Tyler Newman (Alysa); grandson, Taylor Meli; great grandsons, Carter Thomas Newmons and Weston Hoyle; and niece, Denise Elam Swing; older sister, Jessie Rose Gearing (Richard), a younger brother, William “Bill” Long; and a younger sister, Sharon Stanley (Dave).
Russell graduated from Fairmont High School in Kettering, Ohio in 1947. He went to work at the Air Force Logistics Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio at the age of 17. He was drafted by the Army in 1951 and was enlisted for two years. He was never in combat. After basic training he was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. In 1976, he returned to work at Air Force Logistics Command at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and, after over 28 years of service, retired from the armed forces. he then worked a few years for Montgomery County and the United Way on Dayton, Ohio.
Russell and his family moved to Mount Dora, permanently, in January of 1982. He then worked at the Mission Inn and then had a part time position for eight years with Mount Dora Golf Association. He would work four hours in the morning and played golf for the rest of the day. After leaving the Golf Association, he volunteered with the Mount Dora Police Department, Citizens on Patrol, until he had to leave for health reasons.
Russell was a member of the East Dayton Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio, a 32nd degree mason with his mason lodge, as well as a Shriner.
At his request, the family will play some Elvis songs in his honor.
I am thankful for the hope that lives within us. Hope of a soon returning Savior, hope of seeing our loved ones again! God bless you in a special way as you and the family continue this journey of celebrating the life of your husband.
Gwen Parker