Russell Leslie Ware, 85, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Linda Wilson Ware, entered into eternal rest Monday, October 16, 2023. His Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 23, 2023 in the Old St. Andrew’s Parish Churchyard, 2604 Ashley River Road at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel. Russell was born October 25, 1937 in Bangor, Maine, son of the late Frank Edgar Ware and Mary Morgrage. He spent his early school years in Bangor but spent his summers in Castine, where he spent his time delivering newspapers, selling and delivering strawberries, building with his grandfather and causing general mayhem. As a teenager, Russell was a star athlete. He played football and ran track, earning varsity letters and state records in both sports. After graduating from Bangor High School, he worked for a few years and then began a career in the United States Army, where he served honorably for 26 years. Russ was a combat veteran who earned a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for his service, proving to be a true hero in the field and to the men under his command. He retired as a Major in the U.S. Army. He began a second career as a history teacher in middle and high schools in South Carolina. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and then completed a Master’s in Education (licensed to teach history) from The Citadel. When he left education, he helped to run an extermination/fumigation business with his son prior to retiring for the 3rd time. After retiring for real this time, he dedicated much of his time, effort and love to his grandchildren, transporting them to activities regularly and often going out of town to see them in their events. He was quite devoted to all of his grandchildren and often participated as a timer in swim meets, watched soccer games and attended every ballet and musical performance possible – including every backyard circus and play written and performed by said grandchildren. Russell, also known as “Poppy” to pretty much everyone, was left handed and proud of it. He was a joker and a storyteller and those who knew him could count on him no matter what. He is survived by his wife, Linda Wilson Ware of Charleston, S.C.; 3 children from a previous marriage, including Denise Iarrobino of Massachusetts, Douglas Ware (wife – Melissa) of Maine, and Donald Ware (wife – Rachel) of Florida. Additionally, he has three children with Linda, including; Bradley Ware (partner – Dana Rasmussen), Deborah Ware (husband – Craig Yingling), and Lori Reynolds (husband – Kristopher Reynolds), all of Charleston, S.C. He also had 18 grandchildren (one deceased – Travis Ware) including; Ryan Iarrobino (wife – Holly), Michael Iarrobino (wife Kristen), Michelle Kearney (husband – Scott), Stephen Ware (wife – Jessie), Christopher Ware, Madeleine Ware (fiancee – Oliver Lucier), Collin Ware, Devin Ware, Laurel Ware, Ethan Thrasher, Emorie Thrasher, Evan Thrasher, Ellis Chapin, Ellery Chapin, Peyton Mettler, Presley Mettler and Parker Mettler. There are also 13 great-grandchildren who are also very well loved and supremely important to the family To honor Russell’s service to our country and to honor all veterans,contributions may be made to The Bob Woodruff Foundation at https:bob woodruff foundation.org.