Russell (Rusty) Dewey Ware, Sr.

Russell (Rusty) Dewey Ware, Sr., a lifelong resident of Mobile and Daphne, Alabama, passed away at the age of 76 on Saturday, May 18, 2024. In 1976 he graduated from the University of South Alabama with a B.S. in Geology. His working career was served at the Alabama State Docks for 40 years. He concurrently served in the Alabama Army National Guard for nearly 40 years. 

Rusty was a member of a Mobile Mystic Society for 40 years and served as a Float Captain, Officer, and President during his tenure. He spent many hours at the float sheds and always enjoyed spending time with other members.  His children and grandchildren were involved with the organization, serving as riding members, pageboys and as a queen. 

He was an avid Alabama football fan and loved collecting pieces of Alabama football memorabilia.  He never missed a game and enjoyed watching games with his good friends and family. 

Rusty was probably best known for his generosity and kindness to everyone he met.  He would help anyone who needed assistance and never met a stranger.  He spent many years coaching youth teams and developed many lifelong friends.  He was loved by so many for his character and willingness to help.

Rusty is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Jones Ware; his three children Russell D. Ware Jr., Robyn E. Haygood (Dane), and Regan L. Lawson (Lee) and by his stepson, M. Shane Gilchrist (Madeline); three siblings, Robert J. Ware Jr. (Nellie), Diane L. Martin (Mike), and Michael K. Ware. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert James Ware Sr., and Louise Gertrude Ware. 

Rusty’s pride and joy in his life were his grandchildren. He is survived by his nine grandchildren: Abbie Haygood, Braden Ware, Ashton Haygood, Carley Haygood, Darby Ware, Knox Lawson, Greer Lawson, McRaye Lawson, and Ann Garrett Lawson, and his two step-grandsons, Tanner Gilchrist and Braxton Gilchrist. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024, from 10:00 until 11:30am at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope, with chapel service following at 11:30am. Interment will be a private family service at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a veterans’ charity of your choice.  

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

19698 GREENO RD.

FAIRHOPE, AL 36532