Russell F. Holland, 83, of Punta Gorda, Florida, died Saturday, November 8, 2008 at his Punta Gorda residence.

Russell was born Russell Francis Holland on May 22, 1925 in Surry, Virginia to the late Reginald Dennis and Lelia Frances (nee-Scott) Holland. Upon graduation from Hampton High School in Hampton, VA, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and became a member of the Marine Corps’ Fifth Division, fighting in the battle of Iwo Jima. After the war, Russell settled in the Washington, DC area and became a Budget Analyst for the Department of the Navy. Upon retirement, Russell and his wife Marietta moved to Punta Gorda from Annandale, Virginia in 1983. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Punta Gorda, the Marine Corps League Detachment 756 of Charlotte County, B.P.O. Elks Lodge 2606 in Punta Gorda, and member and Past Commander of the Peace River Sail and Power Squadron.

He is survived by two sons, Jerry (wife Jo) Holland of Stafford, VA, and Michael (wife Linda) Holland of Ashburn, VA; four grandchildren, Laura Holland of Alexandria, VA, Sarah Holland of Stratford Hall, VA, Ashley Holland of Parkersburg, WV, and Justin Klunk of Baltimore, MD; and two sisters, Louise DeBolt of Yorktown, VA, and Margaret Parrish of Hampton, VA. Russell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Marietta.