Ernest Benjamin Russell III, age 69, passed away at his home in Laguna Hills on Wednesday,August 22, 2018.Ernie, was born on December 18, 1948 in Norfolk, Virginia to Ernest B. and Tressie Russell, Jr.Ernie attended Magnolia High School in Temple City, California and later attended Tidewater College before being drafted in the United States Army.He served in the capacity of a legal specialist with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany for a period of 17 months attaining the rank of Sergeant E-5. Upon his discharge in January of 1972 Ernie was proud to wear the National Defense Medal, a Good Conduct Ribbon and the Expert Rifleman's Badge.After discharge from the military, Ernie traveled the United States before
deciding to enter technical school and learn the professions ofboth Machinist and Tool and Dye Maker.Uponcompletion of technical schooling Ernie began his professional career working as a machinist for O'Connor Engineeringin Costa Mesa, California and later moved on with the firm of RED Digital Cinema in Irvine, California until his retirement in April 2017.

While Ernie brightened so many days and nights with his humor and upbeat nature, he leaves an unfillable void in so many lives and will be sorely missed.He so much loved spending time with his friends, as he would cheer on both of this teams "the Dodgers and the Cowboys."from his barstool at Patsy's Irish Pub in Mission Viejo.Ernie was a true American, he loved his Country and was proud of the fact that he served it with dignity and love.

Ernie is survived by his sonErnest Russell IV, his two granddaughters Aubrielle Georgia and Tattiana Dolarose. as well as his three brothers Steve, Mike and Charles and his sister Tammy. His nieces Alexis, Nastasha, and Cassandra and nephew Skyler.He is further survived by his ex wife Rosetta Marie.