Russell Perry PhD

On June 21, Russell Perry Wharton, PhD, 75, passed away peacefully after a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer. Russ was born September 11, 1941 in Memphis Tennessee to Wilma Elizabeth Perry Wharton and William Wheeler Wharton. He met the love of his life, and wife of 54 years, Carroll Gray Prince, while earning his Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. As an undergraduate he spent an exciting summer as a Navy midshipman on the USS Lake Champlain. Russ and Carroll were married on June 22, 1963 in Atlanta, Georgia. His first job out of college was with General Dynamics in California. The couple then returned to Atlanta where Russ completed his Masters and PhD. at Georgia Tech. A position with Schlumberger brought them to Houston in 1970. During that time, Russ designed logging and technical tools, published numerous technical papers, and received a fiber optic patent. After seventeen years with Schlumberger, Russ took a position with Phillip Crosby Associates as a Vice President. This job took the family to London, England for two years. During his career, Russ travelled to many countries, often managing to take his wife or one of his children with him. Family vacations often included camping in state and national parks. Russ had many interests, including fishing, camping, vegetable gardening, ham radio, flying airplanes and being the best granddaddy ever. He was a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, American Radio Relay League, and the National Rifle Association. In retirement, he enjoyed teaching Electromagnetics at Rice University. Russ has attended Tallowood Baptist Church since 1977, and was a loyal member of the Praisers class and "Men's Life". He often served on committees at church and in his neighborhood, and frequently visited those in the hospital. He never failed to make friends in any situation, and will leave an empty place in many lives. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dr. William. F. Wharton. He is survived by his wife Carroll, children, Andrew Wharton, Colleen Lutz, son-in-law Martin Lutz, and four perfect grandchildren, Evan, Julianna, Oliver and Henry Lutz. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Praisers mission fund at Tallowood Baptist Church, the Gideon Society or Houston Hospice. There will be a memorial service for Russ on Friday, July 7 at 1:30 PM at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood, Houston, Texas with a reception to follow.