RICHMOND HILL - Vernon R. Rushing, 66, died Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, at Savannah Hospice House surrounded by his family.
He was a lifelong resident of Richmond Hill and a member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and loved karaoke. He retired from the 165th Tactical Airlift Wing after 33 years.
Vernon started volunteering in 1968 under Chief Herb Schwabe at Richmond Hill Volunteer Fire Department, was appointed assistant fire chief in 1974, and then became chief in 1997. He will always be remembered for his honor, commitment, duty, courage and brotherhood that he shared in the fire service. The long legacy that he has left behind will always be remembered and never forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Everin V. Rushing and Avie Davis Rushing.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Gail Rushing; children, Stacey Farr, Angie (Mike) Thacker, Melanie (Ed) Galbreath, Danny Anderson and Keith (Joanna) Anderson; brother, Dennis (Joan) Rushing; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel, 10512 Ford Ave. in Richmond Hill.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Bethel Baptist Church, 40 White Oak Lane in Richmond Hill. Burial will follow in the Richmond Hill First Baptist Church Cemetery.
Remembrances can be sent to Savannah Hospice, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
Carter Funeral Home Bryan Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Published in BryanCountyNews from Feb. 23 to Mar. 1, 2016.