Mr. Russell "Rusty" J. Gardner, Jr., 57, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025. He was born on December 27, 1967 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Russell Gardner, Sr. and Patricia Miceli Gardner.

Mr. Gardner was a resident of Freeport, Florida where he owned Gardner Wood Worx. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of the BSCO Posse. He enjoyed woodworking, working with animals on the farm, being with family, guns, and tinkering with his dad.

Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Helen Maxine Gardner, and his maternal grandparents, Frank and Aubrey Miceli.

Mr. Gardner is survived by his parents, Russell Sr. and Patricia Gardner; siblings Denise Gardner, Shelley (Randy) Aldrich, and Bobby (Dawn) Gardner; his nieces and nephews: Derryn Gardner, Devin Farmer, Jaret Dunwald, Casen Aldrich, Casati Byrd, Callen Aldrich, Jeff Aldrich, Lexy Bowling, Robby Gardner, Matyson Gillman; numerous great-nieces and nephews; his very special friends Steve and Jackie Calhoun of DeFuniak Springs; and many extended friends and family.

A time of visitation will be held from 3:00 – 4:00 PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Heritage Church of Freeport; 926 County Hwy 83A W, Freeport, FL 32439.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Heritage Church of Freeport with Pastor Blake Pryor officiating.

Flowers are being accepted.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Gardner, Callen Aldrich, Randy Aldrich, Jaret Dunwald, Casen Aldrich, and Rob Gardner. Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Gillman, Colton Byrd, Justin Farmer and Hayden Byrd.