Ernest Russell Polley, 96, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and former resident of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed on to be with his beloved wife Jeanette on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at The Ohio Eastern Star Home where he will be greatly missed.
An Army veteran of the Korean War, he received a Bronze Star Medal for bravery, the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
Russ is survived by his loving children, Susan (Don) Jones of Howard, Ohio, and Phillip (Kim) Polley of Winchester; sisters-in-law, like daughters to him, Katherine (Fred) Sammons and Glenda Mack; six grandchildren, Brett (Tracy) Jones, Shane (Terecia) Polley, Leslie (Eric) Anderson, Stacy (Brian) Eury, Missy (Bradley) Hardy and Lindsey Polley; eight great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn (Ian) Rawdon, Emily (Trevor Hanna) Jones, Caleb Polley, Allie Eury, Scott Eury, Colt Hardy, Bo Hardy and Tyler Anderson; and one great-great-grandson, Graham Rawdon.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Jeanette Lewis Polley; mother, Nannie Stapleton; and brothers, Ted, Calvin, and Jim Withrow.
Dad had many friends over the years and spoke often of them. After the Korean War, Russ spent some military time in Washington DC where he drove Generals and other dignitaries. He loved the military and would have been in for life, but didn’t like the idea of moving his family from place to place so many times. He worked many years at Williams Manufacturing Company. Russ will be remembered for his honesty and kindness to his many friends and family, as he was a true gentleman.
He spoke often of the great love shown him by his mother and grandparents, and also of the shenanigans in Vanceburg with his best childhood friends, Charles King, Jack Hardy, and Harry Lemming. God speed you Dad to be forever with Mom, the love of your life.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth, Ohio, with Rev. Perry Prosch officiating. The family will receive friends from Noon until the service hour.
Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery with military rites accorded by the James Dickey Post 23 American Legion Honor Guard.
Online condolences may be shared at RalphFScott.com.
