Gary L. Russell, 71, MSGT-USAF- Retired passed away at the Brookside Hospice in Palm Harbor, Florida on October 15, 2021. He was born on March 11, 1950 in Evansville, Indiana to George and Evelyn (Baggett) Russell. He joined the United States Air Force and was a air traffic controller. During his military career, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters; Air Force Achievement with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters; Outstanding Unit Award with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters; Good Conduct Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters; Occupation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Air Force Short Tour Ribbon with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters; Overseas Long Tour Ribbon; Air Force Longevity Award Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters; NCO Professional and Leadership School; Military Education Ribbon and the Air Force Training Ribbon.
Gary attended Rietz High School in Evansville, Indiana and graduated in 1968. He joined the US Air Force in December 1968 and trained to be an air traffic controller and served 22 years and retiring as a MSGT in 1990. Gary moved to Florida in 2008 to be closer to his number one golfing buddy his father, Lee Russell. During his retirement years in Florida, he enjoyed playing golf, shuffleboard and numerous road trips on his Harley motorcycle. Gary recently checked off his bucket list to skydive, when he did his first tandem jump that he loved so much he signed up to jump from a higher altitude.
Gary volunteered for several years at the toll both at Honeymoon Island and to cut the cost of his love for golf Gary worked part time at the Chi Chi’s golf course where he made a lot of golf friends plus meet some professional athletes. Gary was a big time prankster, so if you have been part of his pranks, that’s how you knew he really liked you.
Gary is survived by his wife of 40 years, Connie (Campbell) Russell; son Todd Russell-USAF-Retired; sister, Peggy (Russell) Ford, granddaughter, Layla Russell, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George “Lee” Leburn Russell and his mother, Evelyn (Baggett) Russell.
Funeral services for Gary are Friday, November 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Veterans Funeral Home, 830 North Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida. Conducting the service will be Reverend Charles Johnson. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 AM till service time. Full military honors by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and American Legion Post 273 will be held at 12:30 PM at the Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, Florida 33708.
After interment at Bay Pines, everyone is invited back to our club house for food and celebration of life. Address is Riviera Estates, 29141 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, Florida 33761.
The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to your charity of choice; Sun Coast Hospice or Gray’s choice, Chi Chi Academy in the Honor of Gary L. Russell.
connie and families,, jim and i had a lot of fun with gary, singing and all the sports. we will truly miss hom and his great personality, his good judgement and his kindness to all. regards jim and brenda arsenault pei canada
Connie,, we were so sorry to hear about Gary. He will be missed by so many people. We have fond memories of great social gatherings , shuffleboard tournaments and much more that he was so involved in.. You and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Marie and Gord, Elmvale Ont.
So sorry Connie and Todd to hear about Gary what a great guy.
I’m not sure what I’ll miss most about Gary. Whether it was the cute little smile he had after cleaning us all out at LRC or the way he accepted our miscalculation of our golf score or the way he left spiders all over our coach or the amazing sportsmanship he displayed at the US vs Canada shuffleboard tournament. As you can see lots to miss from such a beloved friend and gentleman.
Deepest sympathy to Connie and Todd
Connie, my condolences go out to you and your family with the passing of Gary. We will certainly miss his good nature and competitive spirit in Riviera. I’m grateful to Gary for his help and guidance in the games of golf and shuffling, will miss the good natured rivalry in cards and dice, and am happy that I was able to help him knock skydiving off his bucket list. Stay strong and we’ll be down as soon as we can to see you. Take care. Love sent to you from John
Connie, We were so sorry to hear about Gary. We have many fond memories of Gary, social gatherings, shuffleboard and other activities. He will be missed by so many people. You and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gord and Marie
Condolences to the family
I think I was one his instructors when went through the ATC Course at Keesler. And I recall serving with him at Osan, Korea in 1970-71.RIP
Gary will be missed by many…..I injoyed playing golf with him and his dad…..oh yes the cribbage games that he just killed me even in his later days…see you again my friend!
Dear Connie and Todd,
Our deepest condolences to you and all your family.
I always considered Gary, one of my closest friends.
His kindness and his faith always humbled me, on and off the golf course. He always left a tee on holes he had played with his Dad, a true expression of the love he had for him.
He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him, forever.
Kathy and Chuck Buttrick
Connie, just found out about Gary’s passing tonight. I am so sorry to hear of this news. He and I had message several times about his illness and about my wife Ginger’s illness last October 2020 through April this year. She and I thought with all his worries it was so kind of him to continue to ask about her health and recovery. I want you to know that of all the controllers and all the supervisors I had in the AF, Gary was tops. Both Danny Shelton and I had the best time playing golf and working with him. He was truly one of the great ones. It hurts my heart to think of his suffering. Please know that Ginger and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With very kind regards and prayers TJ And Ginger Burks.
Gary, yesterday marked six months since your passing. It was and still emotional for me being here without you. I know you’re well now and when my time is done here I will join you and all the families. Until that day my heart will still be missing you, Love you always CJ