Russell Gary Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Obituary of Russell Craig Gary Our brother, Russell Craig Gary, was born July 31, 1959 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the modest age of 59. This event (heart attack) was a total surprise to us as well as to many friends and relatives who had been in conversations with him over the past several days and weeks. Russell was the youngest among six (6) Gary children from the marriage of Printice and Wilma Gary. Russell is survived by four of his siblings; Printice (Jr.) and Cynthia Gary, Alberta (Gary) and Victor Hicks, Hedy Gray, and Kenneth Gary, all of Dallas, Texas. (Janice Gary is deceased). Russell was “uncle” to many nieces and nephews across the country from Boston and New York, to Texas and Southern California. Russell is the father of three (3) children; Russell Craig Gary, Jr. (33), and his wife, Mimi, who reside in New Orleans and have one daughter, Margaux, age 2 and are expecting the birth of a son in April 2019. Russell Jr. is in the U.S. Military currently serving his country in the Middle East; Latrisha Lynn Gary (31), who resides in New Orleans; and Quinton, (10) who resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition to being an outgoing, “people” person, Russell loved competitive games and sports. Russell was a gifted athlete excelling in numerous sports but earned most of his honors during his distinguished career in the sport of football. Starting as a High School Prep at Minneapolis Central, Gary earned All City and All State honors as he led his team to the 1976 City Championship. He was awarded a scholarship to the University of Nebraska in 1977 and was a three year starter at Safety 1978 - 1980. Together with his high school teammate, Rodney Lewis, they anchored the Nebraska Black Shirts defense which achieved number one status in the country during the 1979 football season and Russ achieved All Big 8 status as a Safety. Russell was drafted first pick, second round by the New Orleans Saints in 1981 as a Defensive Back and played with the Saints for the next six years. His career as a professional was highlighted by his selection as a first team All Pro in the NFL in 1983. After two additional years with the Philadelphia Eagles Russell retired from active participation in the game in 1989. Russell was always extremely proud to be a part of Nebraska’s “Big Red” family and his legacy in the sport of football received ultimate recognition in September 2013 when he was voted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame! Russell’s passion for the game continued in his post-pro football career starting with several high school coaching positions, and later joining Mark Mauer, former Nebraska teammate and high school competitor, with a coaching assignment at New Mexico State University. For the past 15 years, Russell has been on the coaching staff of Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota and has held a teaching position in the Columbia Heights School District. Russell’s coaching and teaching philosophy was, in his own words “… I enjoy coaching and teaching the fundamentals… when you are working with kids in high school, or younger, you are catching good athletes who are raw; that’s when you can instill the fundamentals in them.” His approach to teaching and coaching has resulted in helping build the life skills and character among many, many talented young men and women across the state of Minnesota. As you all know, our brother, Russell, portrayed that certain physical “macho man” image from time-to-time due to his football prowess. He once confided in us that his nightmare scenario was having to confront Earl Campbell beyond the line of scrimmage in the open field, one-on-one!. However, at 6 feet and 195 pounds, in addition to his athletic abilities, Russell’s intelligence was a big key to his success, and when discussing game strategies he was quick to point out … “Football is a mental game. A high percentage of the game is mental.” Russell had a great sense of humor and a loving and caring spirit. He was particularly interested in helping youth from under-served communities. Yes, our brother had many, many positive characteristics, and while we will truly miss his presence here on earth, we trust that his spirit is now safely with the Lord Jesus Christ. Printice, Hedy, Kenneth, & Alberta

Russell Gary

July 31, 1959 - March 10, 2019