Russell Grant Rappley

Russell Grant Rappley, Man of God, Husband, Father, Marine Corps Naval Corpsman, Mt. Morris City Fireman, General Motors Skilled Trade Engineer Tech, died Tuesday Feb. 17, 2026. He was 78. A viewing is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wed. Feb. 25 with a military service 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thur. Feb. 26 at Church of the Holy Family, 11804 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc at 10 a.m. with lunch to follow. Visitation will also be available from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. prior to mass. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Tunnel to Towers foundation benefitting first responders and veterans at t2t.org.

Born in Great Lakes, Ill. to Naval Senior Chief Grant V. Rappley and Ret. Army 1st Lt. Mildred Rappley (Morey), R.N. January 28, 1948. He was largely raised in Mt. Morris, Mich., and was a graduate of Mt. Morris High School. He later obtained an associate degree from Mott Community College. If there was one word to sum up R.G.; it would be perseverance. He was always there when anyone needed him most. And he always made sure to be to work early. He had 42 years of great to perfect attendance every year. When not working or being a father, he enjoyed spending time in the community, serving the Young Marines of Genesee County and Marine Corps League Flint Detachment, serving for years as the Judge Advocate on the Executive Board and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs.

He raised two sons who went on to be First Responders including a Paramedic and Fire Lt. Pastor Matthew Rappley, EMT, who preceded him in death in 2022. He is survived by his wife Kathie D. Rappley of 56 years, his son Nicholas and wife Tammy, all of Grand Blanc; eight grandchildren, with their spouses and three great-grandchildren, sisters Donna Bradshaw and Karen Kilbourn (Kelvin). Now, it is time to be with Jesus, his mother, his father, son and everyone else in heaven. He fought the good fight, he finished his work and always kept the faith. We will all see him when our portion of the Lord’s work is done. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com