Former state Rep. Russell Autrey, who also served as a deputy chief of staff Gov. Garrey Carruthers, has died.
Autrey, who from 1977-1980 was the representative for the seat currently held by Joni Gutierrez, D-Mesilla, died Nov. 14 in Las Vegas, Nev., according to an obituary published earlier this week in the Las Cruces Sun-News. He was in Las Vegas “to complete a construction project,” according to the obituary, but was living in Anchorage, Alaska.
Autrey was vice chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee from 1979-1980, according to legislative records. At the time of his service in the House, he lived in Mesilla Park. He was also a high-ranking staffer for Carruthers, who was governor from 1987-1991.
Autrey is survived by a daughter, two sisters, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, the obituary states. No services are planned at this time. His age and cause of death were not included in the obituary.