Jay McGrath Russell, age 81, Col. USAF (retired), of Richmond,passed away in the early morning of Jan. 27, 2011, with his devotedwife, son and daughter at his side.

Jay is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jere Russell, and hisdaughter, Sandra Howells and son, Roger Russell (Karen). He is alsosurvived by six grandchildren, Heather Howells, Chase Howells andhis wife Heather, Brittany Russell, Colin Russell, Trey Russell andNicole Russell; and many beloved extended family members.

He was born in Brookhaven to the late Oscar and Kate Russell onOct. 31, 1929, along with his twin brother, Jerry.

He was also preceded in death by his other five siblings, Hancy,Wayne, Kitty Machus, O.L. Jr. and Bettye Seymore.

Jay was a Distinguished Military Graduate of Mississippi StateUniversity and received his graduate degree from Ole Miss where healso taught as an associate professor in ROTC. His military careerspanned more than 30 years and among his many awards, he receivedthe Bronze Star for his service in the Vietnam Conflict. His lastassignment was as director of the Defense Security Institute at theDefense General Supply Center in Richmond, Va. After retirement,Jay gave his time as the editor and publisher of the Virginia Lakesand Watershed Association Newsletter for 12 years and also amassed750 hours as a volunteer for the VA Hospital in Richmond. He wrotemore than 125 short stories about events in his life, which heenjoyed sharing with his family and friends. He was a man of honorand integrity whose family was his greatest joy in life.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, at PleasantGrove United Methodist Church in Lincoln County, followed by burialin the church cemetery.

To express your thoughts to the family, you may visitwww.riverwoodfamily.com and click on his name to leave acomment.