Russell Preston Windham

Russell Preston Windham, 55, of Gaston, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022. Funeral services with military honors will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 27, 2022 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229 with Rev. Mark Hardenbrook officiating. The family will host a cookout at the ballpark in Swansea, 390 Oneal Lybrand Court, Swansea, SC at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 28th for all who would like to attend. Survivors include his children, Carolyn (Jeff) Kelley, Alan (Alicia) Windham, Steven (Brandi) Windham, Catherine Windham and Mark Windham; seven grandchildren; and sliblings, Marie (Steven) Renich, Lillian (James) Hollis, Patricia Spire, Tammy Umbach and Susan Perkins. Russell was born on January 29, 1967 in Columbia, SC to the late Tanzie Lee Childree and Willie Joseph Windham. He graduated from A.C. Flora High School and then joined the U.S. Marine Corp as an aircraft mechanic and tank crew operator in 1985. He owned Hammer Air Compressor from 1992-2019, served the community as a Correctional Officer for SC Dept. of Public Safety from 1994-1995, was a Deputy Sheriff for Calhoun County including K-9 Unit from 1995-2004, was the owner of Performance Tire & Lube from 1997-2001, and was an instructor/officer for Swansea and Gaston Police Departments from 2005-2007. He had formal training in counter drug task force, gang intelligence awareness, domestic drug interdiction, protective service detail, terrorism counteraction, state and local anti-terrorism and certification by Homeland Security in Federal Law Enforcement Training. He was an instructor of defense tactics, firearms, concealed weapon and hazmat material waste management. Russell’s passion for service and community committed him to teach and love others daily. He led others to the Lord plus enjoyed shooting guns/bows, cooking and watching old westerns. He was known for his quick wit, humor and never met a stranger. He will truly be missed by his family and friends. Culler-McAlhany Funeral Home (www.mcalhanyfuneralhome.com) in North is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/mark-windham benefiting Mark Windham.