Russell C. Gourley, III, DMD, 81, of Butler, PA, passed away on December 13, 2025 at Concordia at Cabot.
Born on Groundhog’s Day in Punxsutawney, PA, on February 2, 1944, to the late Russell C. Gourley, Jr. and Louise (Murray) Gourley.
Russ graduated from Kiski Prep in 1962 and went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He continued his education at the University of Pittsburgh Dental School, graduating with his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Russ proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard for two and a half years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. During the Vietnam War, he was stationed in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, California.
Following his honorable discharge, Russ returned to the Pittsburgh area and opened his first dental practice in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. He later expanded his work with additional offices in Evans City and Monroeville. Russ faithfully served his patients and community for decades before retiring in 2019.
Russ had a deep love for travel and missions work. He participated in several mission trips through CBN Operation Blessing, SEAPC, and Christ Church at Grove Farm. His travels took him to China, Ukraine, Uganda, Tibet, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Indonesia—where he was once arrested, jailed, and deported for sharing the Gospel. His faith guided every aspect of his life.
He served on the board of Bethany Christian Services, was a delegate for the Christian Medical and Dental Society, a member of the Pennsylvania Dental Society, a Meals on Wheels volunteer, and a member of Penn Township Veterans.
Russ had many interests and hobbies, including traveling, cutting gemstones, carving ivory, photography, and inventing—earning a patent for one of his creations. Above all else, he was a devoted Pitt Football fan and strong supporter, holding season tickets for many years until he was no longer able to attend the games.
A committed Christian, Russ was a member of Gospel Fellowship PCA Church and Northway Christian Church. He loved studying the Bible and actively participated in Bible study groups. He was always open to sharing his faith in Jesus and lived out his beliefs through generosity, kindness, and service to others.
Russ was immensely proud of his grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with his family. He loved being with people, experiencing new things, and using his creativity to bring joy and help those around him.
Though he endured much suffering in his final years, Russ remained positive and hopeful, facing every trial and surgery with courage and unwavering faith in the future God had prepared for him. He lived by the words of Revelation 2:10:
“Remain faithful even when facing death, and I will give you the crown of life, an unending glorious future.”
Russ went peacefully home to Heaven, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mona (Hahn) Gourley; his children, John (Kristi) Gourley, Rob Gourley, and Camlyn (Brian) Gamble; his grandchildren, Dylan (Josh) Waller, PJ Gourley, Monica Gourley, and Brynn Gourley; and his great-grandson, Easton Waller. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Gourley and Betsy (Dean) Lahikainan; his niece, Amanda Lahikainan; his nephew, Nathan Lahikainan; his sister-in-law, Vicki Olsen of Seattle, Washington; and his brother-in-law, Werner Hahn of Herndon, Virginia.
All services will be held privately per family wishes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gospel Fellowship Church at 161 McFann Road, Valencia, PA 16059 or North Way Community Church at 12121 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090.
Arrangements entrusted to Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North Street, Butler, PA 16001.
All who knew Russell are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to his unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.