Gregory Anthony Russell
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A man of principle. A voice of reason. A steady hand in chaos. A blessed life, and a blessing to all of ours.
If you ever asked Gregory Anthony Russell how he was doing, he’d look you in the eye, and say, “Blessed.” And he meant it. Every time. Even on the hard days.
Greg passed away peacefully in Kansas City at KU hospital on May 22nd, 2025, leaving behind a life marked not just by what he accomplished, but by who he was. The kind of man whose presence grounded a room, and whose absence will echo in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Born in New York City to Joyce Hamilton and Jim Russell, Greg’s story truly began in the Bahamas. At three years old, when he had visited his grandmother , Lidi in the Bahamas which is where he lived.
Raised by the motto “Spare the rod, spoil the child” He worked in the family restaurant, where responsibility came early and complaining wasn’t an option. He missed a tryout with the Los Angeles Dodgers because his dad asked, “Is that going to put food on the table this Saturday?” He was offered a scholarship to study medicine in England, but lost the opportunity when they found out he was an American citizen. None of it slowed him down. He kept moving forward, focused on what mattered: family, purpose, and doing things the right way.
Eventually, Greg settled in Kansas City with his aunt. While working as a parking control officer, a police sergeant noticed him and asked if he’d ever considered becoming an officer. Greg said no at first. But he thought about it. Then, as always, he stepped into the call of service.
Onward, Greg served with the Kansas City Police Department, spending over 30 years doing the kind of work most wouldn’t dare to. Undercover narcotics. Forgery investigations. Federal drug enforcement with the DEA. His work was dangerous, and his unit earned national recognition, but Greg never cared about the headlines.
After retiring from KCPD, Greg returned to the work he loved. He continued his service in law enforcement and brought with him the same quiet dignity and unshakable sense of duty that defined his life.
Greg carried his stamp of excellence- whether that be yard work, a written note, a golf swing, or home project. If Greg put his name on it, it was done thoroughly, thoughtfully, and with pride.
He was the man you called when you didn’t know what to do. He’d sit with you not to judge, but to help you think it through. He’d challenge your thinking, and still make you feel heard. He was fair, honest, direct, and he never turned his back on people, even when they made mistakes.
Greg was a devoted husband, a rock-solid father, a proud grandfather, a loyal friend, and a mentor to many. He had a laugh that made you laugh too, even if you didn’t know the joke. He didn’t chase success. He lived it, quietly, every day.
He is survived by his loving wife, Darla Russell; his children: Gregory Russell II, Banner Sky, Brock Russell, Blake Miller, and Bailey Towner; his eight grandchildren; and a large extended family in the Bahamas.
Greg’s life was shaped with humility, discipline, loyalty, and love. And while our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing he lived exactly the way he wanted to with purpose, with integrity, and with God at his side.
“This isn’t goodbye. Just see you later, one day at a time”
In lieu of flowers, the family has opened up a memorial fund in his name: Community America Credit Union Gregory Russell Memorial Fund.
Blessed. That’s what he always said. And we were, because we had him.
My deepest condolences to his family & friends on this terrible loss. I worked with Greg for several years while he was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Unit. He always had a smile on his face & a kind word when he saw you. He was always kind to everyone no matter the circumstances. He will be missed…RIP Brother in Blue…
Uncle Greg played a very instrumental roll in Phil Jr. and my (Stefan) formative years, picking us up from school and keeping us until our father Philip Sr., his elder brother, collected us after work. He was always kind and gracious to us and will never be forgotten and will be sorely missed. We are so very sorry to hear of his passing. Heartfelt Condolences to his wife, children, and siblings and all of his loved ones left to mourn his passing. May he rest in peace.
Sympathy is extended to Darla, Greg II, Gregory’s siblings, other family members and friends. May he R.I.P.✝️
Uncle Greg, you helped mold Bishop Stef and I. Remember the many outing we had as kids with you. The teachings the lessons. I will forever be grateful.
Take your rest Unc. Love you always !
Although many miles and time separated us Greg, that Russell bond always stood out no matter where we were. My conbolences to Darla and the family, may his soul RIP and rise in Glory!!
Though time and life’s journeys separated us many years ago, Greg, I will always have fond memories of our times at Salem Union Baptist Church and playing together in Mama Liddy’s yard on Market St. in Nassau. Decades ago, yet gone too soon. Rest well, cuz. May your KC family be comforted in this sad loss.
So sad to see Greg leave us. I worked with Greg on the PD and I always enjoyed our time together. I found him to be a great Detective and a thoughtful and wise human being. We lost touch after I retired from the PD but no doubt he was an asset to all of those he worked with. Godspeed
Oh my heart is hurting! I left dispatch and I was in Budget on the 3rd floor in the early 90’s Greg would come in my office almost daily, as he knew I always had a full candy dish on my desk. We started a good friendship , when I left to start nursing school he came by my going away party and brought me a big bag of candy‼️ we laughed 🎉 I have thought of him many many times over the years with such warm memories🌹 He was just “IT” in my book. RIP MY FRIEND 💕🙏🏽💕
Greg was a role model. Someone who wasn’t scared to tell you to shape up when you needed to hear it and pushed people to live up to their full potential. He represented the importance of good values and hard work. My favorite memory of Greg is how he recognized everyday as a blessing. My condolences to his family and friends.
I worked with Greg during his early years on KCPD. Always a smile, never a complaint. God has a new angel to keep an eye on us
Greg was always « my baby brother » to me.
While others share memories of you as an inspiring figure, I Treasure even more memories of us running around together at the house in Nassau and at the house we lived with Tita, our grandmother on San Salvador.
I especially remember that Sunday morning where you inspired to operated on my calf with a double-edged razor blade so skillfully resulting in Ritchie Christie peddling with me on his bicycle to the emergency room at the hospital and mummy peddling with you on her bike behind him. To this day I have a scar and the marks from the stitches on my left calf.
I also remember the day you sandales into the living room cupboard, grabbed the bottle of 7 up and put it to your mouth , swallowed and then spat out the corrosive product Tita had stored in the bottle to treat her foot ailment.
But, what you did not spit out made mummy grab you under one arm and me under the other and drive her keep in all urgence to the nurse. It was back when we only had nurses on the islands outside of the capital.
I watched in horror as she forced you to bring up the poison and heaved a sigh of relief when you brought you out of danger. Your lip remained pink for life after that.
So, little brother, lie down and take your rest. « I love you, buy Jesus loves you the best . I nid you good night, good night, good night »
Your sister Diane
Dear Greg,
We shall meet again.
Your brother, Michael
Thank you Chief Russell for being a light to so many at JCCC. Whether dealing with students, staff or faculty ( including the Counseling Department) …all knew you “had their backs”. You were the perfect blend of leadership , compassion , humor, strategy, hope and faith. My condolences to your family.
It was an honor and a pleasure to work with Chief Russell at JCCC. He was a man of integrity, honor and compassion and had a wonderful, gentle sense of humor. He was dedicated to the college, to his officers, and to to students, staff and faculty. My heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family-how fortunate you were to have him.
Darla,
I am so saddened by the loss of your husband, Chief Russell. Greg was the best a human can be. Please know I can identify with the empty space you are experiencing now. I invite you, and do not hesitate, to reach out to me to talk if you are willing. Hopefully, I can provide understanding, and a listening ear as one who has been there. I learned and have found that is most important in working through the pain.
You are in my thoughts,
-Valerie Jennings
Trustee
913 486 7657
My condolences to the the family. I was always grateful for such a friendly face and kind words whenever I was fortunate to run into Det. Russell. Rest in peace brother.