Courtney E. Russ, Jr., of Yorktown, died Aug. 6, 2014, at the age of 76.
He was born on Jan. 28, 1938, in Wilmington, N.C.; however, he has been living in the area for most of his life. He attended school in Newport News and considered himself a Newport News Typhoon, although he graduated from Hampton High School in 1957, after attending for one year.
He was known as a straight arrow. After graduating high school, Mr. Russ began apprentice school and worked for NACA for one year before it became known as NASA. He graduated from the apprentice school and served 38 years as an engineering technician with a background in electronic instrumentation for NASA before retiring in 1995. He loved his work in the wind tunnels and was proud of the time he spent with NASA.
Mr. Russ married his wife, Gloria Fay Morgan, in June of 1957 after meeting at the age of 16. They were happily married for 57 years and had two sons whom they loved dearly. He loved history, traveling, watching movies, collecting old trains and being with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, David Wayne Russ; his mother, Florence E. Russ; and his father, Courtney E. Russ, Sr.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Fay; his son, Courtney E. Russ, IV and his wife, Kelly; his granddaughter, Jessica and her husband, James Nachbar; his grandson, Justin Russ and his wife, Jeri-Lee; his three great-grandchildren, David, Colbie and Penny Russ; and all of his great-grandkitties.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014, at Weymouth Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, at Parklawn Memorial Park conducted by Pastor Clara Gestwick of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, where Mr. Russ was a member.
Memorial donations may be made to the ministries at St. Luke’s, 300 Ella Taylor Rd., Yorktown, VA 23692.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Weymouth Funeral Home.
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