William Edward Rush Jr.

MSG William “Bill” Edward Rush, Jr., US Army (Ret.), formerly of Terrell and lately of Wills Point, passed away peacefully on Feb. 21, 2023 with family at his side. Bill was born Feb. 28, 1928 in Paris, Texas to William, Sr. and Gracie Rush, both of whom preceded him in death along with his siblings: Lillian Turner, Frances Montgomery, Lois King, Marie Turner, Dale Bartlett, Charles Rush, and Frank Rush, each of whom gladly welcomed him into Heaven. After graduating high school, Bill entered into the Army where he served for 22 years with honor and distinction. Upon retirement from the military, he worked for the City of Mesquite for 2 years prior to begin his career with the City of Terrell. Bill worked his way up from Waste Water Treatment Operator to Director of Water Utilities and held a rare ranking of a Double A Water license at the time of his retirement in September of 1988. His numerous water certifications were earned from 1970 to 1977 through Texas A&M, North Central Texas Council of Government, the Texas Water Quality Board and the Texas Department of Community Affairs. Bill was instrumental in ensuring safety and compliance in Waste Water management, evaluation, advanced work operation, and municipal water pollution control/abatement. His education was not limited to water utility systems as Bill was also a 1970 graduate of the Elkins Institute of Radio and Electronics. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, ranching small herds of cows, goats and sheep as well as lots of traveling with his family and friends, many of whom were “just like family”. Bill was proud of having a 5 generation family that brought him great joy every day. He was never short on love OR good advice to those he cared for. On June 4, 1956, Bill married his best friend, Shirley, in Forney and together, they would have 66 wonderful years filled with love, faith, laughter while they raised their beautiful family. In 1982, he and Shirley moved to Wills Point where the country life suited them perfectly as they continued to enjoy their legacy of love with their grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. A man whose word was his bond and his dedication to his family and his country were well-known, Papa Bill will be greatly missed and never forgotten. He leaves to carry his memory on to his beloved wife, Shirley Rush, of Wills Point; children: Sharon Collins and husband, Tim, of Wills Point, Lisa Nalls and husband, David, of Kaufman, and Greg Rush and wife, Frances, of Wills Point; eight grandchildren: Amy Maple, Justin Pitts (Susan), Deana Frosch, Katie Nalls (Cody), Kim Campbell (Jeremy), Kristin Hall (Hank), Josh Rush (Caitlyn), Megan Acevedo (Alex); seventeen great grandchildren: Colton, Bethaney, Andrew, Austin, Devon, Carys, Kylee, Johnathon, Emily, Nathan, Logan, Kaden, Rylie, Piper, Oaklie, Holden and Embry; three great-great grandchildren: Reyer, Tripp and Easton as well as several nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends. Funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel. Interment at Oakland Memorial Park will follow with full military honors. Family will receive friends Monday February 27, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel.

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William Edward Rush Jr.

February 28, 1928 - February 21, 2023