Raymond "Rusty" Gardner

Mr. Raymond "Rusty" Gardner, 63, of Clarksville formerly of Martin, TN died Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Tennova Healthcare.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Parham Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Raymond Russell “Rusty” Gardner was born December 13, 1961 in Dresden, TN to Ruby Lou and Raymond Gardner Jr. He was baptized at a young age at St. James CME Church in Dresden and continued his relationship with God until he was called home. Rusty was a graduate of Dresden High School where he starred in both football and basketball and earned himself a scholarship to play football at the University of Tennessee at Martin. Rusty was proud to finish his degree in 2012 and graduate from UTM alongside his children. Rusty made a career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber until its closing and eventually retired from Hankook Tire in May of 2024.

At UT-Martin Rusty made many lifelong friends, but none more important than his wife and partner of over 40 years, Marchell. From their union came Jordan Russell (Rachel) and Amy Patrice (Drew). Rusty is survived by his wife and children, his grandsons Eli, Don, Jackson Russell, four sisters Cherie Edwards (Kenny), Andrea Sowell, Deidre Hamilton (James), Pia “Pooh” West, “brothers” Jeff Tharpe (Barbara), Eddie Lawler, James Davis (Linda), Rochelle Stewart (Rhonda), Jackie Thomas (Marie), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his UTM football family.

If you met Rusty, you know that he never met a stranger. We could fill a book with the number of people he knew and loved. He had story after story of adventures and experiences from his time in life that we will truly miss hearing no matter how many times he had told it. If you were lucky enough to have a relationship with him, know that it was greatly cherished and he loved you dearly through thick and thin.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110