Eugene Russett "Russ" Clifford died May 4, 2019, in Maitland, FL, where he lived with his wife of 51 years, Linda Reuter Clifford. Russ was born in Evanston, IL, on July 19, 1940, to Eugene Clifford and Hazel White. He grew up in Wilmette, IL, where the future movie actor of "The Wild, Wild West" fame, Robert Conrad, was the Clifford's milkman! Russ attended New Trier High School, along with Ann Margret, with whom he worked on various stage productions. Clifford attended Northwestern University, the University of Denver and the University of Colorado Boulder. Russ was stationed aboard the United States Navy's aircraft carrier USS Essex and served during the famous Bay of Pigs Invasion. Russ and his wife Linda moved to Florida soon after their marriage to pursue marine farming with Sea Life Marine and lived in both the Miami and Orlando areas for the rest of his life. While living in Miami, Russ ran into his classmate Ann Margaret, who was filming a movie, and they reminisced on the docks of the Crandon Park Marina.

Mr. Clifford was best known as an inventor and entrepreneur. He was the Vice President of Research and Development and CEO of LARC International. He also served as Chief Executive of the PFM, US Robot, and Clifford Company. His M19A "BB submachine gun" became a huge success throughout the world after a four page article appeared in "Guns and Amo" magazine. His first patent was awarded in 1978, and he had numerous others associated with his many inventions. He continued inventing through the 1990s with such inventions as an automatic golf ball collector used on driving ranges and his URNALAV for waste elimination and sanitation.

Clifford was the Skeet Chairman for the Orange County Trap and Skeet Club. He volunteered with the United States Navy League. He served as President of the Navy League Central Florida Chapter at the Naval Training Center, Orlando, and was awarded commendations for his work. He was especially dedicated to the Navy League's Sea Cadets youth program and introduced many young men to the wonders of both the Navy and its technology, which included visits on submarines, jet fighters and warships.

Russ Clifford is survived by his wife, Linda, his sister, Mickey Luckman, his brothers Bill Clifford, Jim Clifford, Jerry Clifford and half brother, David Skillin. He also has several nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Eugene Russett Clifford.to the Scholarship Program of the Central Florida Navy League's youth programs, PO Box 782111, Oralndo, FL 32878.