Bobby Lee Rush Jr.

Raised in Camden, SC, Bob graduated from Camden High School as a multi-sport letterman. He went on to play basketball for Newberry College in 1970 and then earned a business degree from the University of South Carolina in 1974.

He spent his professional career in commercial insurance sales before retiring from BB&T Insurance in 2012. He was widely respected by clients and colleagues for his hard work, trustworthiness, dependability, and strong moral character.

A man of deep faith and service, Bob was an active member of Shandon United Methodist Church, previously worshipping for many years at Shandon Presbyterian Church. He was a devoted member of the Columbia East Rotary Club and a frequent volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He also helped coach his children’s sports teams and served as a Cub Scout leader.

Bob will be remembered for his infectious laugh, his sense of humor, and his love of making people smile. He was deeply patriotic and loved history, golf, sports, traveling, and the South Carolina Gamecocks. He loved telling stories of his childhood, his family’s history and our nation’s past, and he was even known to give the occasional special South Carolina history tour to friends and family. The children in his neighborhood lovingly called him “Mr. Bob” and were some of his biggest cheerleaders during his hospital stays.

Above all, Bob's greatest joy was his family. Bob met his beloved Jennie, his “Her”, on a blind-date and they were married in 1979. Their playful love and devotion to each other was something anyone who knew them could admire. He was the best role model and most loving daddy to Scott and Brittany, and he could always be found cheering them on at their sporting events all the way through their years at Dreher High School. In recent years, Bob became a proud "Pappy" to Bruce, Riley, and Wilkes, who brought immeasurable joy to his life.

Bob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jennie Wilkes Rush; his son, Scott Carter Rush (Carmen) of Columbia, SC; his daughter, Brittany Rush Brown (Rob) of Charlotte, NC; his grandchildren, Bruce, Riley, and Wilkes; his mother, Dixie Summerford Rush; and his sister, Pamela Rush Lovett (Lee Allen Smith) of Bethune, SC. He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Lee Rush, Sr. and his brother-in-law, Bobby Gene Lovett. Bob's legacy is one of love, integrity, and laughter. He was loved and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives were enriched in knowing him.

A service will be held in his honor on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Shandon United Methodist Church with a reception immediately following in Player Hall at the church. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the following charities:

The Hydrocephalus Association: 6903 Rockledge Drive, Suite 740, North Bethesda, MD 20817. Donations may be online at give.hydroassoc.org

Shandon United Methodist Church Foundation: 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205. Donations may be made online at shandonumc.org/giving

Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands Foundation: 1600 Marion Street Columbia, SC 29201. Donations can be made online at give.prismahealthmidlandsfoundation.org/campaign/childrens-hospital/c310938