?St. George, UT - Russell Taylor Muir returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 12, 2017. He left this mortal existence at the age of 85, after a lengthy illness, to join his loved ones who had passed before him.

Russell was born January 23, 1932, to Ernest and Leonora Jane Taylor Muir in Beaver, UT, the third of six children. He lived his early years in Beaver and attended school there. He enjoyed sports, especially football; he remembers playing Dixie High School as quarterback of a 6 player team. He has always had fond memories of great adventures and friends there.

He joined the Navy at age 17 and soon after found himself in the middle of the Korean War. He was in the Navy for four years, served on seven ships, and signed papers that he would never discuss his missions. Russ served four additional years in the Army National Guard. He learned a lot about life while in the service of his country. Always proud of the country he fought to protect, he flew the flag every day, with honor and pride.

When he returned home, he courted and married Jacqueline Blackburn, from Minersville, UT on June 26, 1953. They were sealed, for time and all eternity, in the Manti Temple on December 6, 1974. They were blessed with one daughter and three sons. After forty-one happy years, she left him for a short time, when she passed away from breast cancer, May 8, 1994. Russ and Jackie lived in Beaver, Fillmore, and Salt Lake City, UT; Littleton, Denver, and Durango, CO; and Las Vegas, NV.

Russ married Linda Barnhart Ernst December 20, 2011, in St. George, UT.

Valuing a strong work ethic, Russell liked to say that he only missed one week of working since he came out of the Navy. He worked for two weeks for the Union Pacific railroad, in Milford, as a "gandy dancer", after which he went to work for Chevron/Standard of California, as a sales representative for 28 years where he received many recognitions and awards. He gave 110% with everything he ever did! When he retired from Chevron, he owned and operated Russ's Food Mart on Tropicana and Maryland Parkway in Las Vegas. Deciding to finally 'retire', he sold the business and moved to Dammeron Valley, UT and raised miniature horses. Later, he moved to St. George and lived there the remainder of his life.

Still 'retired', Russ volunteered in St. George in a variety of roles:   He volunteered at St. George Live, St. George Musical Theater, Tuacahn, Dixie State Theater and other events, school science fairs, county fairs, Huntsman Games, and marathons such as the Iron Man, to name a few. He was passionate about giving service to others!

Additionally, Russ served as a booster at Dixie State University, (as he had been at UNLV when he lived in Las Vegas). To him a stranger was "a friend he had never met", so he counted many of the team members and coaches as his friends, some he knew very well.

Some of his most memorable and enjoyable times were when he went trout fishing with family, spent time at his and Jackie's cabin at Brian Head, and attended as many rodeos, bull riding, and horse racing events as he could find.

Russ was a member in good standing of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. He served as Young Men's President, High Priest Group Leader, and Executive Secretary. He was renowned for being a truly dedicated Home Teacher! Even after 'his families' had been assigned to someone else, he continued to be of assistance to them for as long as he possibly could. Much more than a home teacher, he was a genuine friend forever, for he really did love them! He was always at the chapel door to greet everyone, especially someone new; he knew and remembered their life history before the meetings were over.

He is survived by his children: daughter, Linda (Forest) Addington, Sun River, UT; son, Gordon (Janet) Muir, Reno NV; son, Rodney (Carrie) Muir, Ambler PA; and son, Brian Muir, SLC, UT...as well as 9 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters: Roberta Lee Nielsen, Orem, UT, Fae Deon (Dale) Harris, Beaver UT, and Allie Elizabeth (Harvey) Mecham, Walsberg, UT and many loving nieces and nephews. Additionally, Russ is survived by his wife, Linda Barnhart Ernst-Muir, St. George, UT; Linda's children: Connie (Harvey) Foutz, Las Vegas, NV, Dixie True, Provo, UT, Shayne Jay (Julie) Young, Las Vegas, NV, Kymberly Trujillo, Helena, MT and Jan (Kelly) Smith, Hinkley. UT; and Linda's 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Russ is preceded in death by his wife, Jackie; parents, Ernest and Lenora Muir; and two brothers: Norman J. Muir and Ernest Nile Muir.

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Michael Codiga, MD and Canyon Home Care & Hospice for the loving care they extended to our husband, father, and grandfather. Additionally, we want to extend our appreciation to the caring and attentive staff of Metcalf Mortuary. We thank you all!

Funeral Services will be Friday, October 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Morningside LDS Stake Center, 879 S. River Rd, St. George, UT. Visitations will be held Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, UT and prior to services, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center.   Graveside services, with military honors, will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Beaver, Utah, 650 East & E. 600 North, at 4:00 pm.