R. J. Eldon Rushing

RUSHING, R.J. ELDON, age 89, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on November 3, 2011. The funeral will be at First Baptist Church of Alabaster, Alabama, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2011, with visitation one hour before the service. Burial will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama. Eldon was born April 25, 1922 in Kennedy, Alabama (Lamar County) to James Mansel and Etna Rushing. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Lillieth Page Draper Rushing; his five children, Barbara Rushing Prater (Howard), Sharon Rushing Erwin (Billy-deceased), Rhonda Rushing Freeman (David), Gwen Rushing Baldwin (George), and Rodney Eldon Rushing (Michelle); 11 grandchildren, Heather Page Moore (spouse Stewart-Mary Katherine, Bradford Elizabeth, Emily Page), Terri Prater Wigglesworth (Spouse Don- William), Tifany Prater Billman (spouse Reid- Grace and Haden), April Erwin Engel (spouse Jeff-Mallie Margaret), Tyler Wayne Erwin (spouse Nicole-Tyler Isabelle, Hardy Elizabeth), Lindsay Brooke Erwin, Brittany Lin Freeman, Bragan Baldwin Feldman (spouse Zachary-Grier Lillianne, Barrett Benjamin), Morgan Jennings Baldwin, Katie Michelle Rushing, and Draper Lynne Rushing. Eldon was a talented athlete in Lamar County where he lettered in three sports, and was elected to the Millport High School Hall of Fame as well as the Lamar County Sports Hall of Fame. After completing his military service in World War II 2-SS Division, he signed a baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies playing minor league baseball before starting his 43-year career in the steel industry. Most recently he was a member of First Baptist Church of Alabaster, Alabama, and Buck Creek Masonic Lodge #410, reaching the milestone of receiving his 60-year pin two years ago. The family extends a special thank you to New Beacon Hospice, ComForcare Home Care, church families and friends for your prayers and support. In lieu of flowers , contributions can be made to Buck Creek Masonic Lodge No.410 , F.& A.M., 333 Alabaster, AL 35007, Youth Scholarship Fund or to a charity of your choice.