Gerald Thomas Russell, Indianapolis, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025. He was 74 years old. Gerald was born in Cookeville, TN to his parents James Wesley and Lucille (Bates) Sutton. Gerald was mostly raised by his beloved grandmother, Floy Scarlett. Gerald met Bertha Graves in April of 1968. He quickly fell for her and made the effort to bring her lunches during the time when they started dating. Eventually, Gerald married his soulmate, Bertha (Graves), on October 26, 1968, and they shared 56 years of marriage together. Gerald always made it a priority to treat her like a queen.
Gerald worked at Aluminum Finish for 5 years. Later, Gerald worked as a Crane Operator for General Motors Chevrolet and retired on May 1, 2002, after over thirty years of service. Gerald was raised as a Methodist but converted to become a Baptist as he grew in life. Gerald enjoyed playing the drums; he was a talented musician that even played in a band, "The Dizzies," with his brothers-in-law as a young man. He was known to enjoy his adventures during camping trips and family vacations; Gerald loved to visit the Smokey Mountains and various parts of Florida. He loved gathering at family reunions and grilling out for those closest to him. Gerald will be remembered as a lovable jokester who fiercely protected his beloved family. He will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Bertha Russell; his daughter, Laura Russell; his sibling in-laws, Hazel Howard, David (Sonja) Graves, Lloyd (Sandra) Graves and Ricky (Risa) Graves; his niece and nephew in-laws: Harold Jr., Randy, Julie, Danny, Melissa, Sheila, Beverly, Becky, Ethan, Frankie, Deborah, Darleen, Cathi, Carrie, Christi, Rob, Richard, Karyn, Amanda, Philip, Angie, Suzanne, Jordan, Rick, Sara, Kayla; his several nieces and nephews; his half sister, Kim; his aunts and uncles, Pauline Norrod, Ruby (Keith) May, Johnnie Bryant; his cousins, Gary, Vonda, Wanda, Kim, Tim, Debbie, Kevin, Terry, Kenny, Tommy, Theresa, Jeff.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents; his grandmother, Floy Scarlett; his step grandfather, Carl; his step father, Gene; his step mother, Exie Russell; his parents-in-law, Carrie Bell and Edward Morgan;  his step brothers, Frillin, Robert; his sibling in-laws: Darthy Collier, Landon Graves and Harold Graves; his aunts and uncles, Mary (Hobert), Albert (Sue); his uncle-in-law, James "Turtle"; his sister-in-laws, Margie, Ann; his beloved chihuahua, Prince.
A visitation for Gerald will be held on Monday June 30, 2025, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Monday June 30, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 2:00 pm.