Oliver Cranford Rushing

Our beloved Oliver Cranford Rushing of Dallas went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior during the early morning of September 7, 2021. Oliver was born September 23, 1931. Oliver is survived by his wife of 70 years, Clara Vivian James Rushing and their three daughters, Beth Ingram (Robert Ingram), Anne Rushing and Kathryn Oliver (Dennis Oliver); five grandchildren, Kristina Pettus (Wyatt), Ashley Ingram (Robert Aguirre), Elise Moore (Patrick), Austin Oliver, and Birkley Oliver; three great-grandchildren Olivia, Wyatt Zachary and Ella Pettus; siblings Edna Westmoreland (Johnny), Rachel Archer (Jack), Ruby Barber and Dorsey Rushing (Robbie). He is preceded in death by his parents Myrtle and O.C. Rushing, Sr. and siblings Norma Bybee (Jay), Justine Knight (John) and Nancy Bearden (Jim).

Oliver was born in Madera, California, the son of a Nazarene preacher. He lived in many places during his childhood. He and family, which included his seven siblings, sang as a musical group on the radio and in churches throughout Tennessee and West Virginia, as well as other venues. He was a gifted musician.

In his teenage years, the Rushing family moved to Oak Hill, West Virginia, where Oliver met the love of his life, Clara. They were married in June of 1951 and, soon thereafter, Oliver was drafted into the Army and spent time in Korea, where he proudly served his country. In 1957, he completed his business management degree at the University of Miami. He worked for Firestone Tire Company where he continued his employment for thirty years. In 1969, Oliver settled his young family in Odessa, Texas, where he served as the Executive Vice President of Balie Griffith Tire Co. for many years. Oliver’s last business venture was North Texas Ice Distributing, Inc. in Dallas until his retirement in 2003.

Oliver was an active member of Park Cities Baptist Church and Floyd’s Faithfull Sunday School Class for for decades. He also attended Gresham Baptist Church, where they attended at the lake.

Buckner Children and Family Services was very close to his heart, where he and Clara devoted many of their hours and resources. Oliver always gave a helping hand to those in need.

Family was so important to Oliver and each of us will miss him dearly. He was a wonderful husband, father and Papaw/Papa.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Monday, September 13th, 2021, in Ellis Chapel at Park Cities Baptist Church.