Richard T. Russell, Jr

richard  russell, jr
Richard T. Russell Jr. was born in New Orleans 100 years ago to Lillian Daly Russell and Richard T. Russell Sr. He loved New Orleans and had many wonderful memories of the Crescent City. His parents moved to Birmingham at the beginning of the Great Depression then to Tuscaloosa AL. Richard worked selling newspapers before school and the concessions at the University of Alabama football games. He was a lifelong fan of the Crimson Tide and knew Bear Bryant when Bear was on the University of Alabama football team. When Richard was 15 years old, his family moved to the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria VA. He lived across the street from the love of his life, Florine Curtin Beall. He graduated from George Washington High School and went to war. Richard served in the Army Air Force, 5th Air Force, 43rd Bombardment Group. He flew many missions in the South Pacific with the Ken's Men. He was interviewed by the New Orleans WW II Museum about his mission to Balikpapan Borneo where they bombed the Japanese oil fields. He received the Purple Heart and other medals for his service. After the war, he returned to Alexandria to marry Florine Beall. He turned down the GI Bill JD to get a JOB and raise a family. He worked for AT&T (Ma Bell) the largest corporation in the USA for more than 40 years going up the ranks of management. He had many interesting assignments including the FAA account allowing him to fly around the country and party. His final position was Long Lines Middle Atlantic Division. Richard decided to retire at 60 to enjoy life with his wife of 60 years, Florine. They went on many trips to Europe. At the age of 70, they decided to size up and buy property in Great Falls VA to build their dream home. Florine passed away after a long battle with cancer. Richard had many friends from all walks of life and believed in working hard and playing hard. He was past president of the Alexandria Sportsman Club, a member of the Henry Knox Field from 1948, a member of the Kena Temple from 1966 and the Royal Order of Jesters for 50 years. He is survived by his loving daughter, Karen L. Russell, his Shih Tzu companion, Red Hot Tashi and many nephews and nieces. His secret to a very long life was luck, liquor, and love. We plan to have a Life Celebration at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please give in memory of Richard to the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution P.O. Box 98091 Washington DC 20090 or to Shriners Children's, Shriners International Headquarters 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607.

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  1. The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you.

    Bob Gallagher
    Funeral Director

  2. I had the pleasure of meeting Dick in 1971 when I interviewed for a job with AT&T. I was chosen for the job and worked with him for seven years. He was a great manager and as his obituary read he certainly did like to party. I stayed in touch with him after I retired from AT&T. I will always cherish the memories that we shared at work and parties with all our staff! Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the days ahead. May all the great memories help you at this difficult time!

  3. Karen, I didn’t know your father, but clearly, he lived a life rich in experience and friends. I have long admired your faithful care for him in recent years and hope that the inevitable loss will be softened by happy memories.


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