Russell James Sebring's Obituary
Russell James Sebring, a respected community leader and cherished family man, passed away at the age of 90 on January 8, 2024. Born into the era of the Depression, Russell's life story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering love for his family and country.
A proud veteran, Russell served as a radio operator in the Army during the Korean War. This experience deeply influenced his character and instilled a lifelong sense of patriotism. After his service, in Toledo, Ohio, he fell in love with Wanda Sebring. They were married on March 24, 1956. After the birth of their first two sons, Wanda and Russell moved to Manatee County Florida in March 1961. In Bradenton, Russell became a well-known figure through his business, the Electronic Service Clinic. Russell's life was not only marked by his business success but also by his leadership roles at the Rotary Club, Bradenton Country Club, El Conquistador Tennis Club and the Greens of El Conquistador. His leadership and generosity made him a pillar in the community.
Known for his great sense of humor and a heart of gold, Russell's presence brought joy and laughter to those around him. He enjoyed playing tennis, woodworking, and traveling, but his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.
Russell's commitment to his family was profound. He was married for 54 loving years to his wife, the late Wanda June Sebring Together, they raised four sons and a daughter: Russell (Judy) Sebring, Joel Sebring, the late Robert Sebring, Scott (Vickie) Sebring, and Hope Sebring (John).
The family tree continued to flourish. He was a cherished grandfather to:
Russell J Sebring's Children: Danielle Canup, Russell James (Amanda), Paul, and Angela.
Joel Sebring's Children: Nastausha D’Andrea (Frank), Cortney Auer (Matthew), Joel (Ann Marie)
Robert Sebring’s Children: Austin and Olivia.
Hope Sebring’s Children: Rachelle (Austin) Kerkof and Zachariah Kerkof.
The joy of being a grandfather was further amplified when Russell became a great-grandfather. He adored his great-grandchildren:
-Daniel Canup’s Children: Beau & Alaina Canup
-Russell James Children: Leon & Blake
-Angela Sebring’s Children: Ari
-Nastausha D’Andrea's Children: Gavin D’Andrea.
-Cortney Auer's Children: Landon, & Killian Auer.
-Rachelle Kerkof's Child: Matthew.
Russell remarried and is survived by his beloved wife Donna and stepson Dewey Smith. They loved and cherished him into his golden years, enduring the heartbreaking long goodbye of Alzheimer’s.
In addition to his immediate family, Russell is survived by his brother Roger Sebring, sister Shirley Fontana, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, son Robert Sebring, sister Jane Zimmerman, and brother Al Sebring.
A service celebrating Russell's remarkable life will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at noon at Skyway Memorial Gardens, 5200 US Highway 19, Palmetto, FL 34221, with a graveside service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Russell can be made to Tidewell Foundation. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Russell James Sebring, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Russell's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved community figure and patriarch is an inspiring legacy. He will be fondly remembered for the warmth, humor, and kindness he radiated, deeply impacting the lives of those he touched.
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