Russell "Russ" Oxford

RUSSELL "RUSS" OXFORD, 69

U.S. Navy Retired

KATHLEEN - Russell (Russ) Oxford, 69, died Thursday, May 8, 2008 at his home in Kathleen due to complications of cancer.

Russ was born in Winter Haven on March 19, 1939 and a lifelong resident of Polk County. He was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy serving during the Vietnam Era; he retired after 27 years of service to his country. He also worked for the last approximately 20 years at the Orange Bowl Lanes/Socia enterprises.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Riley & Katherine Elizabeth Oxford; and his wife, Louella Oxford. Russ is survived by his daughter, Michelle and her husband Joseph Rogers of Moyock, N.C.; two brothers, James Earl Oxford and Richard T. Oxford both of Lakeland, FL; a sister, Jayne O. Sarkany of Kathleen, FL; and two grandchildren, Jared & Justin Rogers.

A visitation will be tonight (Monday) from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home-Northside Chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at the funeral home at 10:00 A.M. Burial with military honors will follow at Florida National Cemetery at 2:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for a memorial bench to be placed in Florida National Cemetery in his honor.

Arrangements by Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, Northside Chapel