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Jerry Neal Russell was born on November 16, 1956, in Durant, OK to Kenneth and Alta Faye (Carr) Russell. He began his schooling at Hyde Park Elementary in Denison, TX and graduated from Blue High School, Blue, OK. His Blue classmates held a special place in his heart.
Some of Jerry's fondest early memories were spending the summers with his Grandpa and Grandma Russell. As the first grandson on the Russell side of the family, he shared a special bond with his grandparents that he cherished throughout his life. Growing up in Philadelphia, Jerry also made lasting memories with Sam Blackburn and the Jones boys. times filled with friendship, laughter, and adventures.
Jerry dedicated 38 years of his life to McMurry Cattle Company. He was first hired by Bice McMurry to gather and work the cattle at the Hugo ranch, then later went full time overseeing the ranch at Blue.
A true cowboy at heart, Jerry loved the cowboy way of life. He would much rather rope a cow in the pasture than take it to the lot, always saying it was faster and easier, though everyone knew he simply loved the thrill and excitement. Rodeo was another lifelong passion. In his younger years, Jerry rode bulls, and later he found joy in team roping. He had a deep appreciation for good horses and always had one by his side until the last few years.
Jerry loved his family, friends, and a good horse. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of the cowboy life, and the laughter he shared so freely with everyone he met.
Jerry is survived by Susan Bates (of the home); his sons, Bart Russell, Kelly (Caitlyn) Russell; daughter, Brandy (Michael) Green; grandchildren, Clayton (Molly), Chloie (Zane), Kadance, Brody, Jake, Harleigh, Easton, Tripton, and Burkleigh; great-granddaughters, Emma and Elsie; his brother, Kenny (Sheila) Russell; sister, Pam (Ronald) Hudson, and mother-in-law, Shirley Bates. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.
Jerry is preceded in death by his grandparents, Edgar and Hazel (Tignor) Russell and Oad and Alma (Jackson) Carr; his parents, Kenneth and Alta Faye (Carr) Russell; and Father-in-law, James Bates.
Family hour will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Brown's Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Brown's Funeral Home. Burial will be immediately follow in Highland Cemetery in Durant, OK. Ross Phillips will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be: Tommy Allen, Mike Andrews, Jason Boyd, Alton Culbreath, Brad Davis, and Bubby Hart. Honorary pallbearers will be: Clyde and Becky Noah, Henry and Haljean Spoon, and Wendall Risner.
The family would like to thank those that prayed for Jerry, brought food, called, and came to visit.
ruServices are under the direction of Brown's Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.