SMSgt Hardman

SMSgt Floyd Rush “Russ” Hardman, age 80, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at Keesler AFB Hospital.

Russ was born and raised in Utah. He loved the Mississippi Gulf Coast and spent the last 38 years of his life in Biloxi. Russ entered the USAF at age 17 serving his country for 28 years in locations that included France, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, Italy, North Dakota, Arizona, California, Illinois, and Mississippi. Throughout his Air Force career, he received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal with one device, AF Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with three devices, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm device, AF Outstanding Unit Award with four devices, Small Arms Expert Rifle Ribbon with one device and many others. Positions during his AF career include Military Working Dog Kennel Master, Law Enforcement and Corrections Supervisor, and Security Supervisor and Superintendent. While on active duty he earned a BS degree from the University of Maryland. After retiring from the Air Force, Russ worked at Stennis Space Center and was a long-haul driver for Werner Enterprises. His happy place was his Coast home where he designed and built a large workshop and greenhouse. His joy was helping and giving to others, carpentry, growing things, fixing computers, reading, watching TV, and spending time with his wife and dogs. From his early part-time job as a projectionist, he loved movies and was an avid Sci-Fi fan. Favorites were Star Trek and Dr. Who.

Russ leaves behind a beloved family and many others he cherished as family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Viril Lamont Hardman and Mina Irene Rush Hardman; and three brothers, Glen, David, and Stephen. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Betty; two sons, Kurtis (Pamela) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Bradley (Dianna) of Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Edl, Keith, Kaitlyn, and Braden Hardman; two great-grandchildren, Lukas and Sofia Edl; his sister, Irene Howe (Indiana); two brothers, Lorin Hardman (Linda) of Arizona, and Vaughn Hardman (Mary) of Colorado; and three brothers-in-law, Roy Blake (Brenda) of Florida, Richard Blake (Eileen) and Donald Blake (Theresa) of West Virginia. Nieces and nephews enjoyed visits with uncle Russ who consistently spoiled them.

Memorial donations may be made to Smile Train, Humane Society, or Bay Vista Baptist Church. The family would like to thank the Keesler AFB ER, ICU, and Medical/Surgical staff for their outstanding care and support.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the Bay Vista Baptist Church. Friends may visit an hour prior. Interment will occur on a later date at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family and friends of SMSgt Floyd Rush “Russ” Hardman.