Russell Edward “Buck” Dearman, age 76, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, passed away on August 6, 2026, in Jackson,Mississippi, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Known affectionately as “Buck” to family and friends, he will be remembered for the love he shared with those around him and the steady, faithful presence he brought to his family and community.

He was born on February 7, 1950, in Waynesboro, Mississippi, to Russell Dearman and Annie Lou Waller Dearman. He graduated from Buckatunna High School in 1968 and went on to build a life marked by hard work, faith, and devotion to family. Prior to his retirement, Buck was employed for 44 years at Georgia-Pacific in Pennington, Alabama, where his dedication and work ethic were evident throughout his many years of service. He was a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Assembly of God, where he served as a deacon. Buck enjoyed traveling, gardening, and cooking, and he found joy in the simple blessings of time spent with the people he loved.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Ron Smith and wife, Lindsey, of Richland, Mississippi; his daughter, Sharita Pitts and husband, Nick, of Waynesboro, Mississippi; his belovedgrandchildren, Landry Smith, Slade Smith, Cruz Smith, Kelton Pitts and wife, Makenzie, of Bradenton, Florida, Lexi West and husband, Jeremy, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, Jayden Pitts, and Memphis Pitts; and his precious great-grandchildren, John Dawson West and Jennings West.

He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters, Glenda Tatum and husband, Glenn, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, Marie Thrash of Meridian, Mississippi, Darlene Winham and husband, Stevie, of Daphne, Alabama, and Debra Waite and husband, Ronald, of Millry, Alabama; his brother, Tommy Dearman and wife, Cheryl, of Prattville, Alabama; his sister-in-law, Betty Davis of Gulfport, Mississippi; and numerous cherished nephews and nieces.

Waiting to welcome him home are his beloved wife, Bonnie Sue Hinton Dearman; his parents, Russell Dearman and Annie Lou Waller Dearman; his sister, Evie Turner; his father-in-law, Arvis Hinton; his mother-in-law, Annie Hinton; his sister-in-law, Louise Overstreet; and his brother-in-law, Edward Hinton.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m at Pleasant Ridge Assembly of God Church, 100 Pleasant Ridge Road, Waynesboro, Mississippi. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, August 10, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ryan Powers and Rev. Matthew Runnels officiating.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Jamie Thrash, Joey Waite, Chason Waite, Jay Dixon, Daniel Dixon, Tommy Dearman, Aiden Harris, and Samuel Hopkins.

Interment will follow at Serenity Gardens on Highway 84 in Waynesboro, Mississippi.