Walter Rush ...One of the Best

Walter C. Rush (W.C.) was born February 11, 1932 to the late Laura Rush Grayson, and he was reared by his loving grandparents the late William and Serless Rush. His mother Laura and her husband the late Zebedee Grayson provided W.C. with much love and support. On May 15, 2021, he departed this life at St. Francis Medical Center, Monroe, LA. On June 7, 1958, W.C. was united in holy wedlock to Shirley Cross Rush who preceded him in death. To this union, one daughter was born. He was a faithful member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Columbia, LA, until his health failed. W.C. was a retired educator whose career spanned 37 years. He taught at Good Pine High School and Carroll High School. Inspired by his grandfather who believed that "getting a good education" was key to a successful life, W.C. graduated from Union Central High School; received a bachelor's degree from Southern University, a master's degree from Tuskegee Institute; and did further graduate studies at the University of Illinois Carbondale, Atlanta University, and Northeast Louisiana University. He received numerous awards for his commitment to educational excellence. Included among the honors were Teacher of the Year at Carroll High School (numerous years); Scholars Banquet Teacher's Award; Henry Carroll Educational Award by the City of Monroe, LA; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee; and the countless "thank you" from former students. In addition to being an educator, W.C. served in the Army branch of the United States Military. W.C. affectionately known as Walter, Bilbo, Bill, and Mr. Rush, leaves to cherish his memories one daughter, Sonya C. Rush, Atlanta, GA; special cousins, William L. Rush, Bosco, LA, Barbara Rush Doyle (Larry), Monroe, LA, LaNell Rush Winston (Donald), Monroe, LA, Will Sillers (Dorothy) Matthews, NC, Calvin Griffin, Columbia, LA, and Lorraine Griffin, Alexandria, LA; The family of the late Zebedee Grayson (of various locations); sister-in-law Eleanor Cross Ballard (Bruce), Bradenton, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and all of his students. His funeral services were Wednesday May 19, 2021 at Bethel Church of God in Christ in Monroe LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Shirley and Walter Ruch Scholarship Endowment at Georgia Tech. Go to http://development .gatech.edu and click on the "Give Now" button. Then in the "Other Designation" Box fill in "Shirley and Walter Rush Endowment."