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Russ - Plese Ray Russ, Jr., age 80, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, passed away May 15, 2022 in the comfort of his home after being surrounded by family in his last days after a long health battle. The Son of Plese Ray Russ, Sr. & Vera Raines, P.R. was born November 12, 1941 in a dairy house on the southside of Jacksonville, FL. and grew up in the surrounding areas of North East and Central Florida. After attaining his high school diploma, P.R. enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the 1st Infantry and attain the rank of Sergeant. He valued this service highly and regarded it as his patriotic duty and privilege. As part of this duty, he served tours in West Germany and as a drill instructor with soldiers bound for the war in Vietnam. Once his service was completed, he started his lifelong career as a heavy equipment operator, with pauses to serve his union brothers as a business agent. As he was a firm supporter of every American worker's right to unionize and negotiate for equitable labor. He went on to retire from the St. Johns River Power Plant after 20+ years of employment. P.R. was more than just the patriarch of his family. He was the hub. A provider for generations. An example of integrity and, above all other things, the value of hard work. His hearty laugh, quick witticisms, political banter, and showman's charm will be missed by all. As his impact will remain for many years to come to all those who had the fortune of being a part of his long and eventful life. He is preceded in death by his parents Plese Ray Russ, Sr. & Vera Raines, sister Lenora Jane Minshew, and grandson Dustin Lee Ames. P.R. is survived by his wife of 30 years Marlene Russ, children Plese Ray Russ III, Richard Russ Sr., Sundi Russ, Mary Albrecht, Scott Mullins, & Robert Phillips, grandchildren Kenneth Russ, Katelyn Klein, Ciarra Russ, Gaby Allison Wilkinson, Dakota Russ, Desiray Russ, Richard Russ Jr, Sarah Greco, Dalton Russ, Gabriel Quirino, Paige Smart, William Allison, Alyssa Smart, Sequoia Quirino, Wyatt Allison, Ethan Albrecht, & Annabella Mullins, great-grandchildren Ansley Russ, Eli Caban, Ryder Cummings, & Arlo Wilkinson. A Celebration of P.R.’s life will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 am at Ferreira Funeral Services Chaffee chapel with Chaplain Jim Cox officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 pm at Arlington Park Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ferreira Funeral Services, 1320 Chaffee Road South, Jacksonville, FL, 32221, 904-378-7777. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.

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Plese Ray Russ Jr

November 12, 1941 - May 15, 2022