Dewell H. Rushing

Mr. Dewell H. Rushing, 84, former resident of Hephzibah for 32 years passed away Friday, November 19, 2010 at his home. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a blessing in the lives of his loving family and his memories will be treasured forever.

Dewell was raised in Tampa, Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration degree. He played football for the University of Florida and was a proud member of the team referred to as the “Golden Era.” Dewell was a Kappa Alpha and a “gator” fan throughout his life. He served in the US Army with Company A, 382nd Military Police Battalion in Germany and received an Honorable Discharge. Later in life and until his retirement Dewell enjoyed a career in Real Estate Development with Southern Realty.

While living in Florida, Dewell and his family spent all their free time fishing and free diving in the Gulf of Mexico. After moving to Georgia it didn’t take long for Dewell and his wife to become avid gardeners, the results of which were enjoyed by the Hephzibah community. His lifelong interest in cooking was well known. If he wasn’t in the yard, he was in the kitchen—his enthusiasm for all his hobbies was never dampened by his physical health limitations for the last 20 years.

Dewell loved the Lord and was a devoted member of Hephzibah United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Burkhalter Sunday School Class, Men’s Club, served on the Finance Committee for many years as well as the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

Mr. Rushing is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Mildred Rushing and his brother, W.L. Rushing. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia “Ginny” Rushing; two sons, Dewell and Linda Rushing, Jr., and Donald Rushing: three daughters, Marsha and Ted Fielland, Heather and Vic Dye, Donna Rushing; eleven grandchildren, Emily and Mallory Stinchcomb, Victoria, Alex, and Wesley Dye, Terrell, Elias, Marcus and Landee Fielland, Ian and Marly Rushing; five great-grandchildren; special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Carl “Bill” Thieme and Sheila; and beloved friends, Wallace Averette and J.W. Howell.

The family will greet friends Sunday, November 21, 2010 4-6 PM at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, Lumpkin Road Chapel.

Memorial Services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, November 22, 2010 at Hephzibah United Methodist Church with Pastor T.G. Hall officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hephzibah United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 65, Hephzibah, GA 30815.

Arrangements under the direction of Elliott Sons Funeral Home, Augusta, GA.