Russell Paul Lea

Russell Paul Lea, 88, of Jacksonville Florida passed away on August 7, 2020. Born on November 19, 1931 in Jacksonville, FL, he was the son of the late Edward Franklind Lea and Hesta Joyce Lea. Russell was a lifelong resident of the Jacksonville area, attended the University of Florida, and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a Professional Engineer who worked as an electrical engineer for the Jacksonville Electric Authority and Clay Electric Cooperative, and later ran his own engineering consulting company.Russell was a 33rd Degree Free and Accepted Mason, and a member of the Scottish and York Rites Masonic Bodies. A tireless volunteer, he was appreciated for his humor, work ethic and constant encouragement of others. Russell volunteered with numerous organizations including DeMolay, the Episcopal Church, the Boy Scouts, the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He joined the Morocco Shrine Temple in 1959 and remained an active member until his death. He served as Potentate in 1990 and as President of the Southeastern Shrine Association in 2000.Russell is survived by his two sons; David Lea of Fleming Island, FL, and Franklind Lea and his wife Lisa Lea of Atlanta, GA; a grandson Russell Lea of Atlanta, GA and a sister-in-law Juanita Lea of Jacksonville, FL. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Ernest Lea and Edward Lea.Private family funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 in the chapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd., S., Jacksonville, FL, followed by a private burial. Russell will be laid to rest with military honors next to Bernice Lea, his wife of 61 years, at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. Services will be conducted by the Reverend Paula Roane.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children at Shriners Healthcare for Children-Florida or Community Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeast Florida..