Alva David Russell, known affectionately as Dave to his friends and family, age 89, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, due to age-related illness.

Born on March 3, 1936, in Everett, Washington, Dave was the cherished firstborn son of Pearl Haire and Alva Dewitt Russell. He grew up alongside his brother, Earl, and sister, Patricia.

A proud Eagle Scout, letterman, and graduate of Pullman High School in Pullman, Washington, Dave went on to earn both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees In Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. This foundation served him well throughout his life.

On September 18, 1958, Dave married Sharon May Power in Seattle, Washington. While their marriage ended in divorce in December 1989, their friendship endured throughout his life. Together, Dave and Sharon raised three beloved daughters: Lori, Kim, and Stacey. His legacy continues through his three granddaughters, Ashley Luster Bertagnolli (Peter Bertagnolli), Michelle Elizabeth Bard, and Melissa Anne Bard; and his three great-grandchildren, Kailey Luster, Christian Bertagnolli, and Reagan Bertagnolli.

Dave was a driven and successful entrepreneur. After gaining experience at companies like Boeing and Trane, he established A.D. Russell and Associates in Miami, Florida. His business thrived in the sale and service of commercial cooling towers, a testament to his sharp intellect and dedication. Alongside his primary venture, Dave also demonstrated his keen business acumen through ventures in futures trading and real estate investment, owning vacation homes – including a Key West, Florida property that Jimmy Buffet visited – and office buildings. His entrepreneurial spirit further manifested in the construction and ownership of a 105-unit apartment complex in Miami, Florida and a full-service marina in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Dave's talents extended beyond business to visionary design. He and Sharon's award-winning waterfront home in Miami became a local landmark, even gaining the attention of Hollywood. The producers of the hit television show Miami Vice filmed several scenes at their spectacular residence.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Dave found particular joy in fishing. Beginning with simple cane poles on family outings, his skills rapidly progressed. He proudly captained his boat, aptly named "The Master Baiter," to victory in numerous fishing tournaments. He shared his passion with his family on memorable fishing trips to Central and South America. In later years, after moving inland, Dave embraced the challenges and camaraderie of golf, achieving the remarkable feat of five holes-in-one during his lifetime – including two holes-in-one after being declared legally blind. His golf buddies would give him the yardage, point him in the right direction, and the rest is history.

Beyond his professional and sporting pursuits, Dave's wonderful sense of humor and playful spirit brought joy to his family. He taught them about barking spiders (his name for passing gas) and orchestrated memorable practical jokes. One of his best involved gifting a lottery ticket with yesterday's winning numbers, creating a hilarious moment of false hope for the recipient. As a grandfather, he delighted in playful tricks, famously convincing his grandchildren he was Santa by shouting "ho ho ho" from outside their bedrooms. The children claimed they saw Santa in his sleigh after hearing Santa call out. Another fond memory is his "magic garden," where G-Pa's magic song and dance over carrot seeds was followed by the incredible appearance of large carrots the next morning. Dave also amused his children and grandchildren with magic tricks, like "swallowing" coins and then pulling them from his ear. And a truly endearing memory comes from a family vacation to Sanibel Island, Florida. Dave purchased spectacular seashells from a gift shop and then discretely scattered them on the beach a few steps ahead of his unsuspecting grandchildren as they were shelling. Dave relished in his grandkids' shrieks of joy and amazement as they discovered these seashells on the beach.

Dave expressed a simple wish: to be remembered as "a good person." He will be remembered as so much more. His intelligence shone brightly not only in navigating life and building successful businesses but also in his unwavering integrity, his generous spirit, and the love he readily shared with his family and friends. He was a man of action, a loving father, father-in-law, and grandfather, and a friend who could always be counted on. Dave's impact on those who knew him was profound.

Remaining to cherish Dave's memory are his daughters, Lori Russell Bard (Stephen Bard) and Kimberley Hughes (Stacy Hughes); his grandchildren, Ashley Luster Bertagnolli (Peter Bertagnolli), Michelle Elizabeth Bard, and Melissa Anne Bard; his great-grandchildren, Kailey Luster, Christian Bertagnolli, and Reagan Bertagnolli; and his best friend throughout his life, Sharon Russell.

Preceding Dave in death were his parents, Alva and Pearl Russell, and his daughter Stacey Russell Iannacone.

Dave wished to be cremated with his ashes spread in the Atlantic Ocean. His family will honor this request.