Edgar Gaines Russell, 96, of California, MD passed away Friday, December 7, 2012 at the Solomon's Nursing Center. Born November 28, 1916 in Gaffney, SC, he was the son of the late Henry James Russell and Eliza Gaines Russell.

Edgar was married to the late Ruth Hamilton Russell from November 15, 1942 until her passing on June 17, 2011. He graduated from Berea Academy, Berea, KY in 1935 and also attended University College, University of Maryland.

During World War II, he served as a Chief Yeoman in the United States Coast Guard from December 26, 1941 to November 21, 1945. He was assigned to recruiting duty and later served aboard the USS Bath (PF 55), a US Navy Tacoma-class frigate and also aboard the USS Wakefield, a troop transport ship. He received an Honorable Discharge at the end of the war.

After the war, he was named and served as a member of the President's Armed Forces Committee of St. Mary's County and settled in Lexington Park, MD. He was first employed in Lexington Park by the Federal Public Housing Authority as Tenant Advisor and Housing Project Manager of the Lexington Park and Carver Heights Project from 1946 to 1963. These homes were also known as the "Flattops" and many of Lexington Park's future leaders and businessmen first came to this area and lived there. From 1963 until his retirement on June 30, 1972, he was employed by the Naval Air Test Station (NATC), Patuxent River, MD as Training Director and Supervisor of Technical Training.

He joined the Lexington Park Lions Club in 1947 and was a tireless worker on their behalf for all of his adult life. In August 2012, he received a 65-year service pin from the Lions. During the 1960's, he was active in youth programs and the St. Mary's County Little League for ten years. Always a doer, he worked with the Great Mills High School Band Booster Club and was chairman of the committee that raised money to purchase band uniforms in 1963. He was also a Past President of the Ryken High School Association. He was a Life Member of the St. Mary's County Elks Lodge 2092 and a member and past commander of the American legion John K. Fogarty Post 162. He was also an avid Redskins fan and season ticket holder from the early 1960's and attended many games. In his later years, he would travel to the games with members of the Hogettes.

After his retirement in 1972, he and Ruth enjoyed traveling in their camper and went on several cross-country trips. During the winter, he and Ruth would vacation at their condo in Hallandale, Florida. He especially enjoyed boating, gardening and taking care of his property in California MD. He continued to do this until he was 93.

Edgar is survived by his son, Wayne H. Russell and his wife Penny W. Russell of Fredericksburg, Virginia and their children, Kevin W. Russell of Seattle, Washington, Zachary T. Russell of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Nancy A. Call of Fairfax, Virginia, Cary P. Scharf and her husband, Bryan, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Thomas S. Call, Jr. and his wife, Lindsay, of Fredericksburg, Virginia and also two great grandsons, Nathan and Adam Scharf. He was the patriarch of the family and will be forever and dearly missed.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, December 13, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A funeral service will be conducted by Reverend Joe Orlando at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be Friday, December 14, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, MD.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lexington Park Lions Club, 23293 By The Mill Road, California, MD 20619.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.