Russell Clifton Cunniff, 66, of Harleton, passed away on June 11, 2026. Born in Amarillo, Texas on February 10, 1960, Russell was a proud Navy veteran where he served as a Hull Technician, Petty Officer Second Class, earning the Navy Good Conduct Medal and three Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. He went on to become a welder — the best there ever was. He especially loved his time on the drag lines.

Russell was a loveable goofball with a quick laugh and a generous heart. He loved classic 70s rock and passed that love on to his children. He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, loved kids, and never quite lost the childlike heart that made him so easy to be around. He was the kind of man who gave freely without conditions. He taught not by lecture but by example: stand up for others, do what's right, and don't back down from hard things.

He is survived by his mother, Marie Mormino; his children CJ Cunniff and Krista Olson; his grandchildren Javan Olson and Addison Cunniff; his stepchildren Greg Haskell and Michelle Masterson; his step-grandchildren Journey Masterson, Allie, Zoey, and Jethro Haskell, and Marcel Cypert; and many who loved him. He was preceded in death by his wife of 15 years, Christi Cunniff, and his father, Milton Cunniff.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m.

Military honors are planned pending final arrangements.