David Russell Futrell, 93, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 12, 2016, at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings; many of his friends; and his wife of 42 years, Catherine (Kit) O’Shea Futrell.
He was born in Dover, Tenn., on November 21, 1922, to John A. and Mattie Ella Futrell. Russell, as he was always called by his family, grew up on a farm, and served in the Civilian Conservation Corps before enlisting in the U.S. Army.
Dave, as he was known in the Army, retired at the rank of master sergeant in 1966. His Transportation Corps assignments took him to Orleans, France, where he met and married Kit; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Casablanca, Morocco; Dover, Del.; and Giessen, Germany. He retired at Fort Monroe in 1966. He worked there again as a HQ TRADOC DA Civilian until 1984.
He is survived by his daughter, Laura Futrell Tripp, and husband, Jim, of Williamsburg; son, John D. Futrell of Cleveland, Ohio; three granddaughters, Victoria, Sophia, and Olivia Futrell; and grandson, Kevin Tripp.
Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Mattie Lou Griffin of Paris, Tenn.; sisters-in-law, Mary O’Shea DeCosimo of Greer, S.C., and Jean O’Shea of Chester, N.J.; many cherished nieces and nephews; and his loving companion of the last 17 years, Mary T. Ng of Chesapeake.
He was a friend to all and could fix almost anything. He loved to fish, bowl, and garden. Over the years he gave away more vegetables than he kept. He lived in Hampton for 50 years before moving to Williamsburg in 2014.
The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Patriots Colony, who provided their Dad/Papa exceptional care and friendship.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 16, at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg, from 9 to 10 a.m. The memorial service will be held at Patriots Colony, 6000 Patriots Colony Way, Williamsburg, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception at Patriots Colony. A burial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Hampton Veterans Gardens, 155 Butler Farm Rd., Hampton.
The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any Veterans’ Support Agency or the Lung Association.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
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