Ray M. Rushing

Ray M. Rushing, 83, of Baytown, TX was born January 18, 1923 in Paris, TX and passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2006 in a local hospital, surrounded by his family, friends, and pastor. He was a charter member and Elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church, now known as 1st Westminster Presbyterian Church. As a teenager, he worked for his grandfather at Fulkerson Plumbing and after the war he returned to Baytown and became a partner in the business with his aunt and uncle. Later, he retired from Plasteco.

He was a decorated fighter pilot in the U. S. Navy during WWII. Among his decorations were the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals, and a Purple Heart. Though he was very humble about his military service, he was a proud Navy veteran and leaves behind a family that is both proud and grateful for that military service and considers him a hero.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00. Funeral services will be Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Navarre Funeral Home with Dr. Richard Kleiman officiating. Burial will follow at San Jacinto Memorial Park with military honors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Rushing and Eleanor Smith; brother, Lewis “Peanut” Rushing; and sister, Betty Roe and is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Nona Rushing of Baytown; daughters and son-in-law, Carole “Dee” and John Stephen Lay of Nassau, the Bahamas and Jeani Reed of Dallas; grandchildren, Mark L. Reed of Dallas, Matthew Ray Reed and wife Amy of Sugar Land, D. Katherine Lay and husband Roy Bodayla of Minneapolis, MN, and J. Stephanie Lay of Nottingham, England; great granddaughter, Madeline Diane “Baby Doll” Reed; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Eddie “Eola” Cox of Baytown, Mrs. Madeline Hodges of Crockett, and Mrs. Lewis “Frankie” Rushing of Baytown; many beloved nieces and nephews; and a grateful community and nation.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.