Garner Russell

Autry Garner Russell passed from this world Friday, January 14, 2022.  His 19 month struggle to overcome surgical complications in his fight against cancer ended as it began,  in Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Mississippi.

Garner was born January 26, 1938 in Pontotoc County, Mississippi,  the second child of Autry and Annie Ruth Garner Russell. He grew up on the family farm where he learned to work hard and to enjoy his free time not only with play, but with reading-a passion which lasted through his life .

Garner attended Hurricane, Mississippi schools where he excelled in academics and sports and where lifelong friendships were forged. He earned a bachelor of engineering degree from his beloved Ole Miss, then a masters of engineering degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.  In the 1960s he formed A. Garner Russell and Associates, a civil engineering firm which served the Gulf Coast   for decades. Garner’s achievements in engineering and in business were many and he gained respect and recognition state wide.

Garner Russell’s influence reached beyond his business achievements. His interactions with employees, friends, and family are examples of his fairness,  generosity,  and loyalty, always with a hint of humor and sometimes with an amazing twinkle in his eye.

Garner is survived by his wife Patti Briscoe Russell of the family home;children, Catherine McAdory of Long Beach, Mississippi, Jonathan McAdory (Shaye) of New Orleans, Louisiana,  Richard McAdory of Long Beach, Mississippi.
Grandchildren,  Kaitlin McAdory, Cade McAdory,
Ava McAdory,
Kian McAdory.
Sister, Sandra Russell Young (Herman) of Madison, MS.
And a slew of nephews,  nieces,  and cousins.

Garner is preceded in death by his parents,  sister, Mona K Russell Wells of Holly Springs, Mississippi,
brother, Richard Larry Russell of Madison Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be: Johnathon McAdory, Richard McAdory, Cade McAdory, Russell Young, Richard Russell, and Sean Ireland.
Graveside services will be presided  by Jeff Byrd who is a longtime friend of the family and close friend of Garner.

Burial will be at Live Oak Cemetery, Pass Christian Mississippi, on  Friday, January 21, 2022, at 11 AM.
Reception and repast  at the family home following.

Memorials  may be made to Camp Able, an organization benefiting disabled children, and close to Garner’s heart, at campable.org

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.  An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com