Harold Russell

RUSSELL, Harold L.

Ocala – Harold L. Russell, 90, passed away peacefully at home February 28, 2016. Born in Ocala, FL on March 13, 1925 to Clarence Lee Russell and Lurlie Beams Russell.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Willene Williams Russell; son, Rick Russell (Shari), of Ocala; daughter, Rebecca Powers, of Pensacola; grandchildren, Rick Russell Jr., Shelby Lynn Russell, Amy Powers and Beth Powers; great-grandson, Jacob Riley Russell, and great-granddaughter Harper Laine Russell. Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Oak Griner Baptist Church, Ocala, FL with Pastors Pete Menendez and Frank Grant officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Anthony Cemetery, Anthony, FL.

Harold was blessed with long and fruitful life with many accomplishments. He attended Ocala High School; joined the US Army and served in the Pacific Command during WWII in the Philippine Islands and later in the US Army Occupational forces in Japan. Returning home, Harold resumed a multifaceted career focused on service to others. He was a faithful servant of God and his church and held Lay and leadership positions at Oak Griner Baptist Church where he served as treasurer. for many years. He was a successful business man in many disciplines.

First, he was, and remained all his life a farmer and raised cattle.

He had many mechanical skills including the repair and maintenance of farm and construction equipment and he could operate the same. He loved auto racing and built race cars. And, he repaired automobiles for his family and many friends in his early years. He held many industrial and financial positions. He became part Owner and president of a John Deere company in Ocala and was in close contact with corporate managers of John Deere. He served as a director of the Ocala National Bank and became a real estate broker associated with Central Florida Realty. He was a charter member of the Ocala/Silver Springs Rotary Club until 2009 and served as the treasurer for many years. He loved agricultural shows and competitions and was active in the organization of Tractor Pull competitions, the greatest being his efforts to assist in the promotion of the 1978 Ocala Gator National Tractor Pull.

He was a member of the Marion Baptist Association and was its Treasurer multiple years. His main Hobby was his love of auto racing being local tracks, go-carts or NASCAR. He attended the Daytona 500 for most of their races in the last 50 years. Harold will be sorely missed by his family and friends who were blessed with his presence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oak Griner Baptist Church.