Gary to be inducted into 'Living Legends'

Gary Russell

Russell Gary will be inducted into the “Order of Living Legends” of the Acadian Museum at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Acadian Museum Café, 102 E. Edwards in Erath.

Gary was born in Erath, and moved to New Orleans during World War II where his father helped build ships. He returned to Vermilion Parish, graduated from Abbeville High School and served in the National Guard for nine years.

In 1957, Gary opened Gary’s Men Store in Abbeville across from St. Mary Magdalen Church. Later, he relocated the store just north of the Vermilion Parish Courthouse.

Gary is a member of the Knights of Columbus, CODOFIL and the Acadian Heritage and Cultural Foundation, Inc. He was the announcer for the Abbeville High School football games and played music with the “Fa Tras Cajun Band.”

Gary worked with Governors Foster and Babineaux for the promotion of Louisiana cultural events, including FrancoFete '99. After retiring from the state, Gary volunteered at the Acadian Museum for many years.

Today, the “Russell Gary & Friends” band regularly plays at Eastridge Nursing home for the staff and residents.

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