Russ Willoughby

Willoughby, Russ (Russell H.), 96 of Centerville, Ohio, passed away on January 3, 2023.
In 2012, Russ wrote his obituary to read as follows:

“’I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God; born of the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God; begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven. By the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death, was buried, and rose again on the third day in fulfillment of the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.


I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.’”


Russ is survived by his stepdaughter Kim McCauley, granddaughter Erin Marie Murray, nephew Chris Bonbright and, in his words, “tons of friends and associates who helped me so much along the way.”  He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Marie.


He was a graduate of Stivers High School and the University of Dayton, a WWII Army veteran, real estate salesman and broker for 56 years. He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church since 1937, often serving there as lector and lay distributor.


Russ was proud to be a founding member of the Falcon Club (1942) and played fast pitch softball for approximately 50 years. He served as President of the Dayton Area Softball Commission and was a past Chairman and member of the Fast Pitch Hall of Fame.



Russ’s message to all of his family, friends, and acquaintances (besides saying, “God is the boss”) is this: “If you care to make any donation in my memory, choose any cause which will help others and bring us all to God's love and peace. I hope to see all of you in heaven!”