Mr. Henry Augusta Rush, 97, of Centralia was welcomed into the gracious arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ Tuesday, November 22, 2022. He began his journey in life on February 13, 1925, the son of Wendell and Alice (Barnes) Rush in Centralia. He married the love of his life, Freddie Mae Jones on February 28, 1946, in Centralia and she preceded him home to Heaven on August 20, 2002.
Survivors that will mourn Henry’s passing include his beloved family, children, Abcjean (William) McGill of Chicago, Illinois, Ella Mae Worthy of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Raphael (Diane) Rush of Centralia, Illinois; grandchildren Moneta McGill, Tasha Rush, Taneshia Rush, Reginald Rush, Wendell Rush, Terrell Rush, Shaquille Rush, Aaron Owens, Aldrienne Rush, Bryant Worthy, Monique Furlow, Nicole Rush, Joshua Rush; a host of great and great-great-grandchildren; brother Vernon (Rose) Rush of Houston, Texas; brother-in-law George Bell of Friendswood, Texas; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends; daughters-in-law Diann Rush, and Cecilia Rush; a bonus daughter/caregiver Christy (Bryan) Kuder who he affectionately called “Little Sis”; and special son-in-law Larry K. Worthy.
Along with his devoted wife of 56 years, Freddie Mae Rush, Mr. Rush was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Doris Meeks, and Sandra Bell; his brothers Harold Rush, and William Rush; his sons Alden Ray Rush, and Darwin Rush; and his grandsons Raphael Rush Jr., and Darwin Rush Jr.
Mr. Rush was a proud United States Navy veteran, serving to defend his country in World War II from 1944-1946. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Centralia. Henry was a retired superintendent who worked very hard to provide for his family as an AC mechanic for Greyhound Bus Lines. He was a welcome face and well-known in Centralia, where he was born and raised and watched his family grow. Henry knew the importance of community and made sure to make his daily rounds visiting with those in his extended neighborhood. At times known to get feisty and raise Cane, there was never a dull moment when Henry was around. He had a heart of gold and generously gave to anyone who needed a helping hand. Henry reaped the most joy from the time spent with his family, watching them grow, offering nuggets of advice, and showing them unconditional love. Henry was a true legend who will be missed deeply by those that knew and loved him.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Centralia with Rev Ronald Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia where military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #446 and VFW Post #2055. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at New Bethel Baptist Church in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Henry’s honor to the Family’s Wishes and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Henry may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
