Lance Carl “Sonny” Russ, Jr., passed away peacefully under the care of Hospice on November 15, 2022. Sonny was born October 30, 1940 in Leesburg, Florida, the second oldest of 10 children. He was preceded in death by his parents Lance C. and Loretta Wabindato Russ; his brothers Johnny and James Russ; his sisters Nina Shaw and Helen Russ; his first wife and mother to his children, Marie-Therese Meda Russ; and his precious daughter, Karin Ann Russ.
He will be deeply missed and always remembered in the hearts of his surviving family, which include his best friend and loving wife of 30 years, Pauline H. Russ; his son Johnny A. Russ (Mary Lea); bonus daughters Saundra Harkey-Young (David); and Shannon Harkey (Donald Billick); grandchildren Kristine Fradenburg (Chris); Lance R. Russ; Maddie Young; Eliza Young; Sydney Harkey; Conner Lockhart; Mackenzie Karin Lockhart; Olivia Lockhart; great grandchildren Lorna, Gweneth and River Fradenburg; and Jett. Brothers Richard Russ (LeeAnn); Robert W. Russ (Linda); Archie Russ; sisters Anna Marie Taylor; Ethel McMurray; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sonny retired as a Master Sergeant from the U.S.Army Combat Engineers after 23 years, and his service included receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He followed his military service with 15 years at Florida Power/Progress Energy. Sonny was also a member of the Warrior Society of Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
Sonny cherished his family, friends, fishing and food from around the world. He was a teller of amazing tales, and those invariably involved warm beer and bravery in war; wine from small towns in France and racing cars in Europe. He simply adored all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Most of his stories ended with, “And I laughed!”
The funeral procession will depart for Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL from the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory promptly at 12:15 PM on Friday, December 2, 2022. The Service of Remembrance with full military honors will begin at 1:00 PM at Florida National Cemetery.
A reception and Celebration of Life following the cemetery service will be at The Barn at Mazak Ranch, 5271 NE U.S. 301, Bushnell, FL.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation in the memory of Sonny to: HPH Hospice, 2939 W. Gulf to Lake Highway, Lecanto, FL. 34461
Add Comment