Russell Dale Kittle, of Pompano Beach, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 1, 2018, after 91 wonderful years of life. He was born July 12, 1927, in Wayne City, Illinois, to the late Louis and Zora Laid Kittle.

Russell began his education in a one-room schoolhouse thru the 12th grade. Upon graduation, he started his career as a teacher in the same one-room schoolhouse. He then set his goals to achieve a college education. He worked hard and graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1949, University of Florida in 1950, and earned his PHD from Ohio State University in 1969.

After years of teaching at The City Colleges of Chicago, he retired in 1985. Upon retirement he decided to begin a new life. He placed all of his possessions in his car and began his drive towards Key West, Florida, upon reaching the Florida state line, Russell threw his long underwear out the window and never looked back.

Once in Key West, he worked in theatre and took any part which would portrayed an “old man”. His most memorable part was in a few scenes in the movie titled Overboard with Goldie Hawn, shot in Key West in 1987. Unfortunately, his part as an ice cream vendor ended up on the cutting room floor.

He proudly served this country in both World War II and the Korean conflict. Years later, he was still able to fit into his Navy uniform. This is something he was proud of. 

In 2008, he moved to John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, he passed there after a brief illness. As an act of love, Russell wished for his body to be donated to the Anatomical Donation Program with the State of Florida at The University of Miami for medical research and educational purposes. 

He will be remembered for his kindness, wit and sharp mind; traits he shared until the end. He did not want a memorial service but wanted for all of you to remember him in your hearts and with a smile.  

Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel.