RUSSELL, BENJAMIN D., JR.

WINSTON-SALEM – Benjamin Dawson Russell Jr., 92, of New Smyrna Beach, FL died Thursday, April 6, 2017. He was born June 4, 1924 in Washington, DC, to Benjamin Dawson and Mary M. Russell. Mr. Russell served as an elite member of the U. S. Marine Raiders during World War II. He was retired from Western Electric. He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, New Smyrna Beach, FL. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years of marriage, Shirley Swain Russell. He is survived by Sandy Simpson and husband, Steve of New Smyrna Beach, FL, Vickie Lail and husband, Don of Advance, Benjamin D. “Tripp” Russell, III and wife, Kim of Clemmons; five grandchildren, Christie Couture and husband, Mike, Robin Allan and husband, D.J., Melanie Serafin, Brooke Childress and husband, Jared, and Spencer Powell; seven great-grandchildren, Samantha and Paige Couture, Luke, Courtney and Jake Allan, Madeline and Julia Serafin; extended family members, Rhonda and Kevin Powell, Cynthia King, Garnetta Belcher and Cheryl Stark; a sister, Dorothy Richeson of Amherst, VA; and devoted companion, Hetti Mazie. A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, April 10, 2017 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Halifax Health Care Center, 4140 S. Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater, FL 32141.