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Russell Pouncy, 89

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Russell Pouncy, 89, was born on Dec. 28, 1928 and raised in Westmoreland, California. He was the third of twelve children. Throughout his life’s adventures, Pouncy was forever the devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He departed this life on September 27, 2018 at the Mercy Hospice Center in Oakland.

As a very confident, hard working and highly motivated individual, Pouncy spent his working years in the Army, Coast Guard, and real estate. After graduating from McClymonds High School, he entered the Army at the young age of seventeen and served as a Wench Operator in Guam during World War II. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he volunteered for the United States Coast Guard and entered into communications school in Groton, Connecticut, Upon graduation, Pouncy returned to California where he served aboard several different Coast Guard ships, to include the USCGC Iroquois (WHEC-43), a high-endurance icebreaker ship and the USCGGC Storis (W-38) which was one of the four vessels to circumnavigate the North West Passage through the Arctic Ocean. Pouncy was stationed in the 12th Coast Guard District for most of his career.

In 1965, Pouncy was stationed at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. where he was promoted to Warrant Officer. Upon returning to California, he was selected to be an AMVER Officer for foreign merchant vessels that visited Northern California ports. In 1971, he was transferred to the Coast Guard radio station in Long Beach, as an Executive Officer. After serving in that capacity, he was promoted to Commanding Officer in 1975 until his retirement in 1976. Mr. Pouncy later joined the Valva Realty Company and the Oakland Realty Board as a salesman. After a successful 20-year career in real estate, He retired in 1996.

Russell was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Juanita Jean Sullivan Pouncy, his adoring son Russell Tyrone Pouncy and Great-Granddaughter Milah Graham. He leaves to cherish his memory a host of family members and friends.

 

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Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 26 – December 2, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 19 – 25, 2025

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IN MEMORIAM: William ‘Bill’ Patterson, 94

Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.

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William "Bill" Patterson, 94. Photo courtesy of the Patterson family.

William “Bill” Patterson, 94, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, at his home in Oakland, CA. He was born on May 19, 1931, to Marie Childress Patterson and William Benjamin Patterson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Dunbar High School and traveled to Oakland, California, in 1948. William Patterson graduated from San Francisco State University, earning both graduate and undergraduate degrees. He married Euradell “Dell” Patterson in 1961. Bill lovingly took care of his wife, Dell, until she died in 2020.

Bill devoted his life to public service and education. In 1971, he became the founding director for the Peralta Community College Foundation, he also became an administrator for Oakland Parks and Recreation overseeing 23 recreation centers, the Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lake Merritt, and the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.

He served on the boards of Oakland’s Urban Strategies Council, the Oakland Public Ethics Commission, and the Oakland Workforce Development Board.

He was a three-term president of the Oakland branch of the NAACP.

Bill was initiated in the Gamma Alpha chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

In 1997 Bill was appointed to the East Bay Utility District Board of Directors. William Patterson was the first African American Board President and served the board for 27 years.

Bill’s impact reached far beyond his various important and impactful positions.

Bill mentored politicians, athletes and young people. Among those he mentored and advised are legends Joe Morgan, Bill Russell, Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, and Lionel Wilson to name a few.

He is survived by his son, William David Patterson, and one sister, Sarah Ann Strickland, and a host of other family members and friends.

A celebration of life service will take place at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (Calvin Simmons Theater) on November 21, 2025, at 10 AM.

His services are being livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1250167107131991/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Euradell and William Patterson scholarship fund TBA.

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