Obituary of Russell Paul Stratford

Russell Paul Stratford

Russell Paul Stratford of North Myrtle Beach, SC passed away on June 14, 2023 with his wife and sons beside him at MUSC in Charleston, SC. Russ was born on January 28th, 1947 to Paul and Aileen Stratford, formerly of Vestal, New York.

Russ is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Aileen Stratford; his brothers, William Stratford and Paul Stratford (Lisa).

Russ is survived by his loving wife and best friend for over 40 years, Aileen Stratford of North Myrtle Beach, SC; and sons, Russell Paul Stratford III (Yuki) and children of Summerville, SC and Christopher Stratford (Katie) and children of Tonawanda, NY and John Durling (Rachel) and children of Highland, UT. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Hastings (Michael) of Endwell, NY; and his sister-in-laws Lisa Stratford of Houston, Texas; Donna Stratford of Gaffney, SC; Ava Crump (David) of Vestal; and Andrula Ott (Bob) of Biloxi, MS. Russ will also be greatly missed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends.

Russ served in the Air Force from 1966 - 1972. He was very proud of his service to the military. He graduated from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Russ spent 38 years of his career life as a Field Engineer for the Xerox Corporation out of Rochester, NY. Russ also helped out in his community while living in Painted Post, NY. He served as an usher at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Painted Post, on the Board of Corning United Soccer, and for many years was a team manager for the various boys soccer teams. Russ was also known for bringing Aileen’s class at Carder Elementary, treats like popsicles on really hot days, and cooking hot dogs for their end of year picnics, and delivering mulch for gardening.

Russ’ greatest joy was spending time with family, especially his sons and grandchildren. Russ had a great sense of humor and could sit down and start a conversation with anybody nearby. He could fix anything and

loved to tinker in the garage. He would always have a cute joke for his grandkids. Russ also enjoyed friendly banter with his friends at Wegmans in the morning over coffee. He is greatly missed by his loved ones and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the eighth floor Neurological Unit at MUSC and Dr. Elizabeth Higgins, as well as Dr. Michael Sperling and Dr. Olinda Spencer of McCleod Health in Little River, SC.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church, All Saints Parish, in Corning, NY on Friday, July 7th at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the CJD Foundation at cjdfoundation.org.

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