Carlos Rex Russell

    It is with great sadness that the family of Carlos Rex Russell share on Sunday February 23, 2025, he passed into The Presence of the Lord while in the arms of his beloved wife at the age of 86.
Rex as he was known was born on June 14, 1938, in Alvarado, Texas the youngest son of eight children of Earl and Della Russell. He was born at home, weighing a mere 3 lbs. he slept in a shoe box, he was a survivor from the beginning. 
    In 1958 he made his way to the Imperial Valley in California, where on a windy desert eve he would meet the love of his life Nancy Smith at a church revival. 
Just two years later in 1960 when he was 22 and she was 17 they married on his birthday, he always told us he would never forget their anniversary and he never did not once until Alzheimer's cruelly stole it away. 
    He proudly volunteered to serve his country in the Military over the next 6 years.  In 1961 they started their family with a daughter and in 1963 moved their little family to San Jose California where is he had a career as a field engineer. 
    During his time in Northern California, they completed their family with a son. In 1973 wanderlust hit again and he moved their family to Vista California, where he pursued a career as a Teamster until he retired.   
    Rex loved the Ocean, deep sea fishing and boating, he owned a cabin cruiser that he docked at the Oceanside Harbor for several years. He provided his family with wonderful summer memories hanging out at the harbor in the 70’s on Q dock.  He had an intense curiosity about life and his philosophy was if one was good ten was better!
He loved his motorhome's, telling Nancy “Pack up, grab the dogs and let’s go” to parts unknown, they traveled for ten years all over the United States! Rex never met a stranger and had that special gift of being able to talk to anyone and make them feel like family, proudly handing out Nancy Russell Property Management cards telling people stop by if you’re in town and he meant it! 
His Grandchildren always requested his famous BBQ chicken & ribs at the many family Superbowl parties where he always wore his Brady Jersey proudly. He was the biggest presence in any room, and it feels as though a light has gone out in our home. We take solace in knowing we will see him again. John 14: 1-3
He is preceded in death by his only son Carlos Rex Russell II “Stretch” 
He leaves behind his Beloved wife of 64 years and 8 months Nancy Smith Russell 
 Daughter Robin Russell of Vista 
Grandson Lawrence “Paul" Zenns III of Vista (Jennifer Clark)
Granddaughter Jessica “Sparkplug” Zenns of Vista (John Almeraz)
Granddaughter Keegan Russell of Texas (Skylar Wilburn)
Grandson Carlos Russell III of Texas 
Great Granddaughters Revan Zenns of Vista, Carmen Almeraz of Vista 
Great Granddaughters Delilah & Sofia Wilburn of Texas
Military Honors and a family Service aboard the Sea Star will take place in the Spring
Donations in Rex Russell’s Name can be made to www.alzsd.org
Alzheimer’s San Diego 3635 Ruffin Road Suite 300 San Diego Ca 92123 

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