Russell Burton Garry

A memorial service for Russell Burton Garry of Gillette will be held at Walker Funeral Home at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, with a luncheon following the service.  Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.  

Russell died of natural causes on Monday, July 27th at Monument Hospice in Rapid City, South Dakota.  He was born to Russell and Amelia Garry on June 4th, 1937.  He lived in Redfield, South Dakota and attended school through the 8th grade.  

In 1950, at the age of 16, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he earned his G.E.D.  He served in the Navy for 15 years on a nuclear submarine.  In the early 1960s, while the submarine was docked in Scotland, he was seriously injured in an accident.  He was flown to England and later transferred to Bethesda, Maryland for further treatment.  In 1967, he was honorably discharged and retired from the U.S. Navy.  

He married Susan Phillips on November 15, 1969, and the lived in Gillette until his death.  Russell is survived by his wife Susan, daughter Brandi Bonnette (Jason; son-in-law) of Rapid City, daughter Shasta Torres (Jeremy Geiser) of Gillette, five grandchildren: Chace Wood (Cassidy Muller) of Rapid City, Avery Wood of Rapid City, Raygan Bonnette of Rapid City, Samara Torres of Cheyenne, WY, and Elliot Torres of Casper, WY, as well as three great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Marley, and Royce of Rapid City.  

Russell worked in the oilfield for over 40 years.  He was a diesel mechanic and worked for many years for Western Gas and Anadarko Pertoleum.  He retired at the age of 79.  

He enjoyed going to Deadwood and cooking big meals for his family.  He was a compassionate and generous man who loved his family.  His absence leaves a space in our hearts and in our lives that can never be filled.