Russell Layton Seitz

A San Angelo native, Russell Layton Seitz was born on October 3, 1932, the elder son of Mida Layton and Russell Travis Seitz. Following a long illness, Russell passed away peacefully on February 9, 2015 at a local nursing home with his family at his side. Russell attended San Angelo schools, graduating from San Angelo High School in 1951. He attended the University of Texas, College of Pharmacy, in Austin, graduating with honors in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Russell and Charlotte Anne Shelbv were married on July 18, 1953 at the First United Methodist Church in San Angelo and celebrated their 61st anniversary in 2014. The couple has three children: Laura Anne, Michael Rodney and Russell Steven. Russell began his long career in pharmacy by joining his father, also a pharmacist, UT graduate, and owner of Weeks Drug Store in downtown San Angelo where, in addition to pharmacist, he also became manager and co-owner. Russell was the kind of pharmacist who always had great concern for his customers, often going back to the store after hours or on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day to fill prescriptions for those in need. In 1986, a storm hit San Angelo and damaged the Weeks building beyond repair. The store relocated downtown, but two years later the family chose to sell to a local grocery chain. Russell's father having opened the local store in 1929 in the Cactus Hotel, the pharmacy had been in business for 56 years. Russell then continued his profession as a staff pharmacist at Shannon Medical Center, retiring in 1993. Russell was involved with a number of civic activities and organizations. Beginning in 1966, he received four consecutive three year appointments made by the Chancellor of the University of Texas to the Pharmaceutical Foundation of UT's College of Pharmacy. He was also a member of local, state, and national pharmaceutical associations. Locally, he was a member of Jaycees and the Downtown Rotary Club. He served on the Board of Directors of West Texas Therapy Center (now Rehab), the Salvation Army Board, the Fort Concho segment of Fiesta del Concho, and was a long time member of the YMCA. Recreationally, Russell was both a handball and golf enthusiastic and avid dove and deer hunter. The couple played golf at San Angelo Country Club and Alto Country Club, NM. After retirement in 1994, Russell and Charlotte fulfilled their longtime plan to retire to Ruidoso, NM. Russell was deeply involved in volunteer work at the Ruidoso Senior Center, Village Parks and Recreation Department, Meals on Wheels, and Spencer Theatre for Performing Arts in Alto, NM. Also a licensed pharmacist in New Mexico, he occasionally worked part-time. The couple moved back to San Angelo in 2003. Preceded in death were Russell's parents, Mida (Layton) and Russell Travis Seitz, daughter-in-law Mrs. Michael (Betty) Seitz, and brother-in-law Herschel V. Shelby, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte and children: Laura Seitz Rahija and husband Michael of Germantown, TN; Michael Rodney Seitz of Sweetwater, TX; and Russell Steven Seitz and wife Connie of Austin, TX. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kellie Rahija Anne Morris and husband Michael of Niceville, FL; Michael Austin Rahija and wife Lucia of Rome, Italy, Charlotte Mckenzie Seitz of Austin, and Drew Elliott and wife, Jessica of Weatherford, TX. He is also survived by a brother, Rodney Dale Seitz and wife Mazie of San Angelo, and sister-in-law Joyce Shelby of San Angelo, and nieces and cousins. The family wishes to thank the loving, outstanding nurses and caregivers of Meadow Creek Nursing Home and Gentiva Hospice of San Angelo. Family Visitation will be from 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 2pm on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Fairmount Cemetery with Rev. JT Tucker officiating under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to West Texas Rehab, 3001 S. Jackson St., San Angelo, TX 76904, Gentiva Hospice of San Angelo, 112 W Concho Ave, San Angelo, TX 76903 or a favorite charity.