Eugene “Jerry” Gerald Russell, 76, of New Port News Virginia, passed away Thursday, December 29th, 2022, in the city he loved Houston Texas.

Jerry was born on February 10, 1946, in New Port News, Virginia to the late Joseph and Mary Russell. He graduated in 1968 from Virginia Tech with a degree in Chemical Engineering and again in 1971 with a Master’s in Engineering from West Virginia University. In December of 1979 he became a father to his only son Jared, and in 1987 married his love Loretta Russell in Houston, Texas. During the summers of Jerry’s high school years, he worked at the New Port News Shipping and Dry Dock, and one day asked HR “what kind of engineers didn’t work in the shipyard?”; they replied, “Chemical Engineers”. In 1968 Jerry was employed by DuPont Chemical as a Chemical Engineer, where he became a pioneer and developer of the Leveraged Operations Six Sigma Team. During his 47-year career with DuPont he became a mentor and well-respected member of the organization earning him the nickname “sensei” among his co-workers and peers.

Jerry was devoted to those around him and lived a full meaningful life. He held many titles, from Father and husband to Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Chem E and part time carpenter. In the evening and on weekends he could be found making improvements to his home with Loretta or coaching little league games for his son. But no matter what task was at hand, he could always be found playing the game he adored, tennis, with his lifelong friend Joe every Sunday afternoon.

Jerry would describe himself as the nicest person he ever met, and those who knew him best would describe him as the most even keeled mild tempered person they had ever known, the rock of any relationship he developed. During his retirement he spent all his time helping and caring for those around him, as well as driving his corvette to give the local tennis pro a run for his money four or more times a week.

A father and husband like him are rare, one that is so smart and kind to all those around him. He is the mentor and example everyone needs, always full of knowledge, advice, and smiles. He will be missed by all; our lives and the world are a better place because of him.

He is survived by his wife Loretta Russell son Jared R. Russell; three nieces Debbie Garrison and Jenny Lewis from Virginia and Mary Morrison from Arizona.