Garry Kevin Russell

Garry Kevin Russell, loving husband, father of two, and humble servant of God, passed away on January 23, 2021, in Corpus Christi, Texas at the age of 63. He was born June 21, 1957, in West Point, Mississippi, to Helen Buchanan and Marion Donald Russell.

Garry married his high school sweetheart, Paula Gayle Anderson, in 1976, the year after they graduated high school. They were blessed with two children, Amanda Gayle in 1981, and Stephen Ryan in 1986, and enjoyed 44 happy years together. Garry was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend, always taking care of everyone around him without asking for any recognition.

Garry served honorably in the Unites States Navy as an Electronics Technician for over 7 years before spending nearly 21 years as a Computer Specialist for the Department of Defense, working at both NAS-Meridian and NAS-Kingsville.

He had a passion for helping lead the youth of Kingsville through his work with Boy Scouts Troop 385 for 18 years, serving as Scoutmaster for 13 of those years. His leadership had a lasting impact on the lives of many of the boys who passed through his troop.

He was an active member of Retama Park Baptist Church in Kingsville, TX, serving as a Deacon for nearly 22 years and enjoyed sharing the word of God while working alongside his wife in the children’s AWANA program.

Garry enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending time with his family and close friends. He was a man who preferred comfort over style, maintaining his trademark attire of pocket t-shirts and shorts through the years, more recently adding his much beloved Crocs that he had vowed to never wear. He also served as unofficial, on-call, tech support for his family, friends, and church community.

Garry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Paula Gayle Russell of Kingsville, Texas; daughter, Amanda (Kevan) Hedtke of San Antonio, Texas; son, Stephen (Colleen) Russell of Kingsville, Texas; two brothers, David (Delinda) Russell of Trussville, Alabama and Scott (Tiffany) Russell of Mountain Brook, Alabama; sister, Donna (Larry) Eaves of Carrollton, Georgia; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held last week for Garry in Kingsville, TX.

Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Shuqualak Cemetery in Shuqualak, Mississippi. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Children’s Programs of Retama Park Baptist Church, 515 E General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, TX  78363. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of arrangements.