Robert Alan Russell of Blacksburg, a 31-year employee of Virginia Tech who spent most of that time managing and supervising the freshman chemistry laboratories for the university, died Wednesday, July 20. He was 64.

In addition, Russell was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for most of his life. In recent years he was dedicated to his work with the Scouts of Troop 44 and Pack 44, in addition to working with Eagle Scout candidates in the New River District. He earned many awards, including the Silver Beaver.

Born in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Russell was the son of the late Jesse and Marian Russell. He is survived by his wife, Meriel, and two sons, Alan Russell and Darrell Russell, all of Blacksburg; his sister, Cynthia Russell and sister-in-law Judith Lovat, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sister-in-law Diane Owens of Christiansburg, and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held Sunday at McCoy Funeral Home.

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