Robert Archie "Bulldawg Bob" Rushton

1943 - 2018

By the grace of God, Robert Archie Rushton was born to two University of Georgia graduates, Archie Sime Rushton and Bettye Johnson Rushton on July 6, 1943 in Dublin, Georgia.

Robert better known to his friends as Bulldawg Bob spent his first eleven years in Dexter, carefully nurtured in the traditions of the Red and Black.

A lifelong Methodist he joined the Dexter Methodist Church along with his sister Charlene on Easter Sunday 1948. Always active in the church, he maintained his membership in Marietta, Gray, Macon, and Athens.

Bob earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia, studying real estate, a profession he pursued for a lifetime. Active in politics at the University, Bob served as Vice-president of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Bob began his professional career as a teacher following in both his parents' footsteps. He taught at Tennessee Preparatory School in Nashville; taught economics and coached football at Clark Central in Athens and Briarcliff High School in Dekalb County.

He was the founding partner of Rushton Realty in Marietta and the sole proprietor of the ReMax agency in Macon before moving to Athens to be near his parents and his beloved Bulldawgs.

Bob's civic involvement included: President, Marietta Jaycees, President, Georgia Jaycees, Vice-President, U.S. Jaycees, President, United States Jaycees. As president he led the Jaycees in raising more than $3 million for the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. Named as an Outstanding Young Men of America, he served as a special ambassador for President Carter, spending two weeks with the Marcos in the Philippines. President, Georgia Board of Realtors, Vice-president, National Association of Realtors; President, Marietta Lions Club, Vice-President, Cobb County Chamber of Commerce; President, Boys and Girls Club and President, middle Georgia Girl Scout Council.

Bob proudly carried the Olympic torch in Macon and as Chair of the volunteers for the Opening Ceremony carried the torch in Atlanta.

An ardent supporter of all UGA athletics he began attending football games at an early age and had been in the stands for 660 games including the Sugar Bowl and the National Championship. He enjoyed women's basketball, gymnastics, and tennis.

His niece and nephews and their children were the joy of his life and he provided numerous trips to Athenstown to insure their loyalty to his alma mater.

Bob is survived by a sister Dr. Charlene Rushton Black of Sylvania, a brother and sister-in-law William Barclay and Miriam Scarborough Rushton of Gainesville, three nephews and a niece, Joseph Barclay Black (Donna Carnley) of Statesboro; William Rushton Black of Swainsboro; Robert Matthew Rushton (Liz Watterson) of Cumming, GA; and Elizabeth Rushton Conto (Matthew) of Clermont, GA ; Four grandnieces and two grand nephews, Catherine Elizabeth Black of Annandale, VA; Kirsten Naomi Conto of Clermont; Elizabeth Jane Rushton of Cumming, GA; Rosa Mae Jane Black of Statesboro; Torben Matthew Conto of Clermont; and Finnegan Barclay Black of Statesboro as well as countless friends too numerous to mention who provided lifelong support.

Like all good Bulldawgs Bob was a fighter who battled cancer for more than 7 years, finally on January 2, 2018 and after his beloved Dawgs defeated Oklahoma in the Rose Bowl, his Master called him Home.Please don your Red and Black and join us Saturday January 20, at 11AM at UGA Chapel.

Memorials may be sent to The Northeast Georgia Cancer Foundation, 3320 Old Jefferson Road, Building 700; Athens, Georgia 30607 or the Athens Boys and Girls Club.

Athens Cremation Services are assisting the family.www.athenscremationservices.com