Russell L. RafeldSEVIERVILLE, TN: Russell L. Rafeld, 94, of Sevierville, Tennessee passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017. He was born on June 29, 1922 in Navarre, Ohio. Russell was a WWII Veteran having served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theaters. He had numerous campaign medals and ribbons including 4 Bronze Service Stars and was a holder of the Air Medal. The best memory that Russell retained during his 13 year of service in the Air Force was that he had been part of the first team sent to investigate the crash site of the B-24 Liberator, the "Lady Be Good", which had gone missing on April 4, 1943 after aborting her bombing mission for unknown reasons. Russell retired from General Motors after 35 years of service. He lived in Ohio for 92 years before moving to Sevierville to live with his daughter and son in-law. He had a great sense of humor and knew how to enjoy life. Russell made the best of every day.He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Max Rafeld and Zelda Brubaker Rafeld; brothers, Charles, Donavan, John, James, Glenn, George, Paul, and David Rafeld; sisters, Mary Wharton, Thelma Frank, and Esther Bollinger.Russell is survived by his daughters, Cathy Davidson and husband, Eddie, and Kelly Diehl; grandchildren, Tiffany Breckenridge and husband Scott, and Ian Diehl; great- granddaughter, Yasmin Breckenridge; sister, Ruth Wenger and husband, Kenny; sisters in-law, Nancy Rafeld and Eleanor Rafeld; along with numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Sevierville Health and Rehabilitation for the love and care given to Russell. He returned that love and greatly appreciated the efforts and kindness of all the staff. Atchley Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements in Sevierville.Funeral services will be held at Heyl Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. with Chaplain Don Earlenbaugh officiating. Friends may visit with the family an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Imhoff Cemetery with Military Honors by the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard. On line condolences may be left for the family at
www.heylfuneralhome.com.
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