Russell Lee Denny Sr (Ampa U “Coming day”), was born on December 28 th , 1951 to Vearle and Eunice (Blacktail) Denny. He joined his siblings, Nancy Denny Dumont, Sunny (Bill) Whitehead, Iris “Cissie” Anderson, Orrin (Dorothy) Denny, Jeanne (Karl) Denny Reinlasoder, and Lyle Denny. Dad was the baby of his siblings. He grew up in Poplar for most of his life. Dad worked many jobs, but his main occupation was truck driving. Dad was an old school cowboy, where he lived and participated in the cowboy way. Dad had a great honor to be able to coach his nephew Zach Atkinson in his bull riding days. Where Zach achieved high standards in the rodeo circuit. Dad also practiced in his traditional ways, which he took great pride in. He is a member of the original Bad Land Singers. He followed the powwow trail and gained numerous friends and family throughout Indian country.
In June 1967 dad met Janice Chapman, where he gained a daughter Bernita Chapman Granbois, she was the first to call him dad. Later they had one daughter, Vearlene Emerine.
1983 dad met Andy Gray, to this union they had one daughter and two boys. Benicia Gray, Russell Lee Jr, Royce “Miles” Denny
1989 dad met, Gwen Gourneau, to this union Holly Rae was born.
1993 dad met Claudia Scott, he welcomed into his life Neal Garrick, Miranda Rose, Carla Mckenzie, and Alexis Dawn. Later on, Thomas Lee, Debbie Lynn, and KayLee Marie were born.
Dad took the rope of a father figure to Jalee, Zack, and PJ after his brother JD passed away.
Dad had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he loved and cherished equally. He also had numerous nieces and nephews that he took as his own.
Dad was adopted by the Gray Hawk’s, Atkinson’s and Hale’s.
Extended family, Spottedbirds, Menz, Runsabove, Boyds, White Eagle, Half Red, Stafne, Medicinecloud, Blacktail, Wetsit, Growing Thunder, Betshismedicine, Sheilds, Necklace, Hawk, Flynn, Blackdog, Reddog, Starr, Medicine Stone, Bear, Lester, Escarsega, Yellowhammer, Bearcub, Eashoppie, and Bearstail. If we failed to mention anyone, it wasn’t our intention. Dad was blessed with a big family.
He is survived by brothers Lyle Denny, Bill (Musky) Hale Jr, Neal Hale, Tom (Georgia) Atkinson, Jaimie Atkinson, Denver (Rose) Atkinson, Tote (Willa) Gray hawk, Brad (Maureen) Gray Hawk, Terry Gray Hawk, Justin Gray Hawk (Orlanda), and Jason Gray Hawk. Sister-in-law Leta Atkinson, Dorthy Denny, Tana Atkinson, Rhonda Atkinson, and sisters, Melda Gray Hawk, and Sissy Atkinson. Children Bernita (Don) Granbois, Vearlene (Allen Buckles) Denny, Russell Denny Jr, Royce (Miles) Denny, Holly (Jason) Hamilton Sr., Neal Scott, Miranda Scott, Carla (Brady) Scott, Alexis (Nick) Scott, Thomas (Shelby) Scott Denny, Debbie Scott, and KayLee (Lexi) Scott
He is proceeded in death by his parents Vearle and Eunice (Blacktail) Denny, brothers, Sunny Bill Whitehead, Orrin Denny, JD Atkinson, Bobby Atkinson, Gale Dusty Menz, and Thomas Escarsega Sr. sisters Nancy Denny Dumont, Iris “Cissie” Anderson, Jeanne Denny Reinlasoder. Great granddaughter Johnny girl Magnan. Infant son, Rusty.
Dad, we are going to miss you dearly, but we all knew you were ready to go home. We will continue to share all the fond memories of you. We love you.
A wake will be held on November 29th at 7:00 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Funeral services will be held on November 30th at 11:00 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery.
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