Wayne Rush

1936 - 2025

Robert Wayne Rush, 88, died peacefully on Sunday March 30, 2025, at his home in Irmo, S.C.

Mr. Rush was born on May 31, 1936, in Sandover, SC, to the late Robert Marion Rush, and Mary Elizabeth (Talbert) Rush, and grew up in Troy, SC. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1954, and from THE University of South Carolina with a BS in Civil Engineering in 1959.

While in college, Wayne interned at the SC Department of Highways and Public Transportation (SCDHPT); after graduating as a Gamecock, he was hired by SCDHPT and worked for over 41 years as a bridge designer. He was squad leader for most of that time. He designed and consulted on numerous SC bridges over the years.

Mr. Rush was a long-time member of Rosewood Baptist Church, where along with enjoying singing in the choir, and playing his many stringed instruments, he served in several positions in the church, to include Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He is currently a member of Kilbourne Road Baptist. Wayne had a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and loved sharing his faith with other people.

He was an accomplished musician on the piano, bass fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and guitar. As a young man, he and his brother Pat formed a bluegrass band, and continued to play at events throughout their adult years.

Wayne loved to hunt, fish, cook, play music, play Rook, the Rubik's Cube, and make things with his hands. He especially loved spending time with his friends and family, and dearly loved his bride of over 60 years, Gloria.

Wayne loved aviation, and had a garage filled with model airplanes. As a member of the Jackson Flyers Club, he served as both President and Chief Instructor Pilot.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Wilkie Rush, sister Mary Jacqueline Rush, and his daughter Tina Lorraine Rush.

He is survived by his two children, Crystal Gay Haugen and her husband, Scott E. Haugen, Joel Craig Rush and his wife, Tracy Montgomery Rush; seven grandchildren, Hunter Scott Haugen and his wife, Meghan, Andie Jael Reavely and her husband Taylor, Grayson Rush Haugen and his wife, Kate, Cale Vincent Haugen and his wife, Victoria, Elizabeth Montgomery Rush, David Heriot Rush, and Jonathan Talbert Rush; six great-grandchildren, Kate Haugen, Declan Haugen, Ellanie Haugen, Cedar Reavely, Eden Reavely, and Emma Haugen; two brothers, David Francis Rush and his wife Becky, and Charles Patrick "Pat" Rush; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood, at 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, and graveside service will follow in Troy Cemetery at noon.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Troy Cemetery Foundation.

Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Rush family.