Russell Alonzo Smith died peacefully in Buzzards Bay on March 5 at the age of 96.

Russell is survived by his children, Rae, Russell, and Georgiana of the Pacific Northwest, Richard of Georgia, Jack of Florida, and Fay of Massachusetts, as well as more nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren than we, his family, could count. He is preceded in death by the love of his life — his dedicated wife of 63 years — Fay McCrae Smith, and his sons, Samuel and Garnet.

Russell was born on November 8, 1918 in Whitman to Charles and Jessie Smith. The youngest of five children, Russell had two sisters, Adeline and Barbara, and two brothers, George and Robert. With the encouragement of his father, Russell graduated from Whitman High School in 1937.

Falling in love at first sight, he proposed to Fay on their first date, and the first day they met, in 1939. Supporting each other through sickness and poverty, Russell and Fay raised eight children as well as two grandchildren, Cindy Thomas of Wareham and Kathy Richards of Abington.

Russell began his working life on a dairy farm when he was in middle school. After high school, he served in the Great Depression’s CCC Camps. A jack-of- many trades, he later worked in the burial, lumber, and landscaping industries before retiring from the Whitman Foundry as a core-maker in 1984. Russell enjoyed over 40 years of quiet retirement, relishing the peace of nature and rich conversation with his many family and friends. Well into retirement, Russell learned to ballroom dance, and, for many years, he and Fay could be found passionately dancing the night away.

During the last 20 years of his life, he enjoyed the comfortable, loving home of his dedicated daughter, Fay, and her husband, Brian Simmons, surrounded by three generations of family. Russell will be remember as a charismatic but humble man, who won many hearts with his kind demeanor, quick wit, often self-deprecating humor, and bright, friendly blue eyes.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Sunday, March 15, at Chapman, Cole, and Gleason Funeral Home, at 2599 Cranberry Hwy, Wareham. All are welcome to attend and rejoice in Russell’s long, rich life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Aids Action Committee of Massachusetts, 75 Amory Street, Boston, MA 02119 or Southcoast VNA, Attn: Community Affairs, 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02179. Condolences can be sent to 7 Cottage Street, Wareham, MA. The family would like to thank Tobey Hospital, Royal Crest Nursing Home, and Fidelis Hospice for their care and attention.

For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com