Russell McNeil Redcross, 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 06, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on November 27, 1935, in York County, Virginia.

Russell graduated from Bruton Heights School in Williamsburg, VA, after which he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  While serving in the Air Force, Russell was stationed in Liverpool, England, where he met his wife, Audrey.

Russell worked as a mechanic for many years and even took over operating his father’s service garage.  He later worked for Anheuser-Busch.  Throughout his employment at “Busch”, Russell was well-known for not only his sense of humor but also for his love of the Washington Redskins.  Many of his co-workers remember the posters that he put up around the plant when the Redskins won the Superbowl.  Russell retired from Anheuser-Busch in 1997 after 23 years of service.

As a lover of jazz music, he could often be found in the den playing his favorite songs of Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Charlie “Bird” Parker, and Herb Alpert among others.  Russell had a wicked sweet tooth and never passed up the opportunity to enjoy a good dessert.  He also loved fishing, gardening, watching MSNBC, and most of all, socializing.  

Russell always had words of wisdom (whether you wanted to hear them or not!) and did not worry about any obstacles in his path. He said what he felt and always stood up for himself.  He lived life on his terms.  In the words of a friend: “We lost a legend”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur E. and Estelle Louise Redcross; his wife of forty-seven years, Audrey; sister, Shirley J. Parrish; and beloved pets, Dino and Jamie-Lynn.

Left to cherish his fond memories are his daughters, Christina Harding, Tanya Redcross-Smith (Paul), Tracy Redcross, Erica Redcross-Cockfield (Jared), and son, Rodney Redcross; grandchildren, Jordan Smith, Bayli Smith, Aeneas Smith, Jaa’la Redcross, and Layla Redcross; niece, Cynthia Parrish; nephew, Demetrius John Parrish; great-niece, Soleil Miller; great-nephew, Devon Parris; numerous cousins and friends.

Rest in peace “Pop”. We love you!

A Facebook Livestream service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com