Russell L. Anderson Jr.'s Obituary
Russell Lee Joseph Anderson Jr of Rocky River, Ohio entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2021.
Russell was born during the Great Depression. He grew up in West Virginia where he left school at an early age and became a self-taught electrician. He worked for LTV Steel for 44 years before retiring in 1996. His former coworkers will forever remember him for his absurd pranks and silly drawings. Most will remember him as a dear friend.
Other than being a great dad, Russell was most proud to be a U.S. Marine. He served in combat during the Korean War and was an expert rifleman. Throughout his life he continued to support the military in any way he could and wore the USMC emblem every chance he got. He enjoyed connecting with other veterans, young and old.
Russell never had it easy, but he did enjoy the finer things in life, like a hot cup of coffee, watching a boxing match with friends, playing with his daughters’ pets and the combination of Fritos and buttermilk. He loved spending time with his kids and talking with friends. He loved animals, classic country music, and offering a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He lived to make others happy and never asked for much for himself. In his later years, he found joy in sharing old war stories, receiving mail from friends, and building things with his son-in-law.
Thanks to the staff of the Bickford of Rocky River and Fox Rehab, he was able to enjoy a father-daughter dance with all four of his daughters in October, and he had an enjoyable Christmas with family and friends. Russell battled dementia for over five years, but he proved with one last valiant stand that even a year like 2020 has got nothing on a tough old Marine. He passed away peacefully on January 1st, 2021, knowing how incredibly loved and admired he was, and forever will be.
He is survived by his daughters: Sandy Anderson, Shana (Justin) Coune, Ashley (Logan) Anderson, and Taylor Anderson, his sisters Juanita Humphreys and Brenda (Larry) Luporter, and ex-wife Rosalie Anderson. He was preceded in death by his only son, Russell A. Anderson, and ex-wife Beverly Anderson. Son of the late Russell L Anderson Sr and Mary Marshall (nee Bonovitch); brother of the late Troy Stone, Theron Emerson Stone, Rose Strunk, Faye Gregory, and Patricia McWhirt. He was an uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
To honor Russell’s memory, please thank a veteran, hold the door open for a stranger, or call and catch up with an old friend. Say his name often and with a smile, so that even in death he can continue to make this world a happier place.
All services were held privately.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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