Layton Ross Russell

Layton Ross Russell, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on September 29, 1936, Ross lived a life of service and adventure, working in the Post Office, the Navy, and the Diplomatic Service for 38 years. His first post took him to the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru, followed by Curitiba, Brazil, where he met and married his wife, Lorilai, in 1965. Their journey together spanned the globe. In Washington, DC, they welcomed their son, Robert, then moved to Port of Spain, Trinidad, where their daughter Lorraine was born. They later lived in Nassau, Bahamas; Warsaw, Poland; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Bogota, Colombia; and Lima, Peru again. Ross’s final assignments brought him to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he was honored as a “Brazilian by heart,” and then to Brasilia as Consul General. Ross retired in 1998 to Vero Beach, FL, later moving to Kennesaw, GA, in 2018. He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Rae Cooper, and his sister, Janis. He is survived by his wife, Lorilai; children, Robert and Lorraine; grandchildren, Rachel, Conner, Dylan, and Isabelle; and sister, Dianne. A service with military honors will be held on November 11 at Southern Cremations & Funerals in Kennesaw, GA. A life very well-lived. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital.