Walter Clarence Russell

Walter C. Russell, Jr. of New Bern, NC passed away on September 21, 2025. He was 95 years old.

Walt lived an amazing life. Born in Sullivan, IN, he grew up around the world as his father was a US Naval Officer (USNA ’23). Following his father’s footsteps, he attended the US Naval Academy, earning his varsity letter in gymnastics, and graduating in 1953. Walt cross-commissioned into the US Air Force, serving for 20 years and retiring as a Lt Colonel in 1973. During his time in the Air Force, he served in the Korean War and then moved to the Operational Test Center at Eglin AFB, FL. Recognized for his engineering talent, he attended the USAF Institute of Technology, graduating with a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. This led to a brilliant career in the Space Systems Division, developing communication capabilities to support missiles, manned and unmanned satellites, and deep space probes. He served as test director of the X-20 Dyna Soar military space shuttle program, and systems engineering officer for the Defense Satellite Communications System. In addition, he also developed satellite tracking, telemetry and command for the MIDAS system, Discoverer, Vela Hotel, and Blue Gemini programs.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Walt moved into the private sector, first with Computer Sciences Corporation, and then Magnavox Government and Industrial Electronics Company (MAGIC). He went on to co-found Magnavox Data Systems to perform systems integration work for the US Air Force. He completed his professional career at SPACECOM.

In 1955, he married the love of his life and his guiding light, Greta Ruth Wittenburger. They were married nearly 70 years.

A long-time resident of New Bern, NC, Walt enjoyed much of his retirement on the golf course. He played into his late 80’s and was distressed when his golfing buddies kept “aging out” even though they were 10 years his junior. His family was blessed to spend many great afternoons with him on the course.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughters Christine and Alison (George), son Doug, and grandchildren Luke and Matthew Bowser. He was an incredible father who loved his family fiercely and he will be greatly missed.

He was a fighter, a golfer, passionately dedicated to the military, and very proud to be 100% Scottish. He had a great sense of humor, loved Waffle House, and swore peanut butter and jelly was the secret to a long life.

A memorial service is being planned in New Bern, NC, with burial to follow in Ogallala, NE.