Kenneth Garry Russell – Hope Prescott

Kenneth Garry Russell, 77, of Houston, passed away surrounded by his family on February 20, 2026. Kenneth was born in Bodcaw, Arkansas on November 12, 1948, to Kenneth George and Dora (Taylor) Russell and big sisters JoAnn and Sharron. He grew up in Hope, Arkansas and graduated from Hope High School. Kenneth moved to Arkadelphia to attend Henderson State University where he met Marjorie Adair Hughes; they married on August 2, 1968, were married for seven years, and remained lifelong best friends.

Upon joining the United States Air Force, Kenneth was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. He attained the rank of sergeant while working at the base commissary. They welcomed one daughter together, Abigail Elizabeth, on December 10, 1970. After completing his military commitment, Kenneth was honorably discharged and made what would be a fortuitous move with his little family to Houston, Texas, the place he would happily call home for the next half century.

Kenneth began his career in earnest at this time, proudly accepting an oil and gas position with Texas Eastern as a Pipeline Dispatcher, like his father and uncle before him. He spent time with his daughter, joined St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church and choir, and created a partnership with James Thomas Cater. Kenneth’s personal and professional successes continued and after 25 years of distinguished service, he retired in 2003 from what had then become Duke Energy.

The first of his four grandchildren arrived, and he jumped into his new role as Papa Russ with both feet. After all the gardening, traveling, and socializing he could tolerate, he tapped into his creativity and amiability when he began a five-year stint as a stationer for Houston’s legendary institution, Bering’s Hardware. Writing invitations for elite Houstonians was a calling he adored and spoke fondly of until the end of his life.

Apart from his family, Kenneth had more pride in his 18-year career at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center than any other area of his life. He worked as Senior Coordinator of Procurement in the MDACC Department of Cardiology and approached his work there with reverential awareness that he was a little part of a large community that works to heal our world, one person at a time. This care for people was at the heart of who he was and what he endeavored to bring to every interaction he had. He would certainly say that never having to retire from MDACC was one of his greatest accomplishments.

Our Papa Russ loved with enthusiasm. His personal family, his church family, his work family, and every person he ran into got the best he had to give. A few years ago, he attended his Hope High School reunion. Reconnecting with these friends and talking about shared memories with them revitalized his life. These connections fueled him; If you are reading this, he loved you.

He is survived by his daughter, Abigail (Eric) Smith of Manvel; grandchildren Sadie Smith, Jackson Smith, Sage (Kai) Smith, and Maisie Smith; cousin Mark Taylor of Austin, brother in law Tim (Leslie) Hughes of Prescott, Arkansas, numerous beloved nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; honorary daughter, Elizabeth Anne Cater of Auburn, Alabama, an army of beloved friends, and precious little cat, Bonnie.

He was preceded in death by former wife, M. Adair Russell; partner, James Thomas Cater; parents, Kenneth and Dora Russell; sisters, JoAnn Browning and Sharron Coffman, and many other dear ones.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Sweet Home Cemetery in Prescott, Arkansas under the direction of Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to “The Friends of Music” fund at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church or to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.