Russell “Russ” Teal Dorr passed away peacefully in McKinney, Texas, on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023. He was born in Tampico, Mexico on August 27th 1930, to Miriam B. and James B. Dorr. The family moved to Houston, Texas in 1935, then to Lake Charles, Louisiana for a business transfer for Shell Oil. Russ’s interests in school were track and field, and art. After high school, he attended the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, where he received his B.A. in Commercial Art.
He received a commission as a second Lieutenant in the Air Force, and was called to extended active duty. He served one year each in Korea and Vietnam in addition to a year in remote Labrador during the Cold War. One of his stateside assignments was Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at Washington State University. Russ retired from the Air Force reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1972. His civilian work experience included several years in the savings and loan business and physical plant management. He finished his working career at the FAA Air Traffic Control Center in Houston, TX, and retired in 1992.
Russ married his wife Shirley McAfee in 1956, and they had 2 children, Katherine and Russell. Russ was an expert gardener and an amateur artist. He was involved with the Woodlands Art League where he served in various capacities and explored various mediums such as pencil drawing, watercolors, and pastels. Throughout the years he could be found volunteering at church, whether as a deacon or elder, or shoveling dirt and mulch at his favorite retreat venue Mo-Ranch in Hunt, Texas.
Known for his dry humor and pleasant attitude, he held yearly “joke hour” presentations at the communities that he lived at in retirement. He also routinely gave presentations at Memorial Day and Veterans Day gatherings to honor those who bravely served in the various service branches.
He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Russ and Melissa Dorr of Little Elm, TX, grandchildren Spencer Dorr and Madison Smith (Husband Tyler Smith), and great grandchild Ethan Smith. He is predeceased by his wife of 64 years Shirley McAfee Dorr, daughter Katherine Lynn Dorr, brother James Dorr, and sister Dorothy Rothenberg.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 8520 Main Street, Frisco, Texas 75033, on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211, on Thursday, March 30, 2023, beginning at 1:00 PM.