Mr. Russell McKay Blood, 85, of Mooresville, NC, passed away peacefullyJuly 16, 2015, following a period of declining health. Russell was born on May 17, 1930, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Russell Henry Blood and Louise McKay Blood.
Russell attended the University of Utah and the University of California at Los Angeles. Upon graduation from UCLA in 1951, he entered the U.S. Navy for duty aboard a destroyer in the Pacific. After two years he was reassigned as a Lieutenant to the Naval Security Group for duty with the National Security Agency in Arlington, Virginia. Upon completion of his Naval tour, Russell converted to civilian status with the NSA, and remained for 29 years. He held various positions with NSA, including Chief of Staff, National Cryptologic School and Assistant Inspector General.
Russell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was the grandson of David O. McKay, the Ninth President of the Church. He was also the grandson of former Governor of Utah, Henry H. Blood.
Russell is survived by his wife, Judy Blood, of 42 years; three sons, John Hughes and wife, Sinae of Madison, AL, Mark Lanasa Sr. and wife, Sheryl of Gastonia, NC, and David Blood and wife, Jody of Alexandria, VA; daughter, Angie and husband, Rick Watts of Huntersville, NC; ninegrandchildren andtwo great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Thursday July 23, 2015 at 10:00am at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple with burial to follow in Kaysville City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Russell M. Blood to Novant Health Foundation Campaign, Cardiac Center PO Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233 or to a favorite charity.
