Donald Leon Rush Sr.

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, Donald Leon Rush, Sr., 88, of Harrison, went to sleep and woke up in the presence of His Lord and Savior. Born to the late Jack and Grace Rush, Don was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired after many years of service to the Chattanooga Fire Department. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Patricia; son, Mike Rush; daughter, Reni Curtis; brother Jack Rush; and sisters, Glenda Campbell and Betty Robinson.

First and foremost, Don loved the Lord. After that, he deeply loved his family, his church family, his country, and his community; and he enjoyed every opportunity to bring them together for a delicious meal. There was nothing Don could not cook; and once you had a taste, you always went back for more.

He loved to hunt and fish and spent his younger years raising his family, sharing with them his love for the outdoors. In more recent years, Don, with his wife, Sherlene, enjoyed hosting weekly card games for special church friends at their home, which, more often than not, brought out a little competitiveness and friendly rivalry.

He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the games and rooting for the Atlanta Braves and the Tennessee Vols. Win or lose, he was a loyal fan.

Don loved attending Maple Grove Baptist Church, hearing the Word being preached and listening to some good ole' southern gospel music. He also loved traveling with his church family to the annual Jubilee, held in Pigeon Forge for many years.

Don was blessed to be loved by two wives in his lifetime. He spent countless hours loving his family – each wife, their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids – on the lake, the ball fields, at plays, concerts, school and military graduations, weddings and even funerals. He was always present in the lives of those he loved. His door was always open, and you never had to wonder what he thought or how he felt. He was compassionate, honest, straightforward, a little stubborn and a whole lot feisty, with a big tender heart.

He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 16 years, Sherlene; son, Donald Leon (Brenda) Rush, Jr.; daughter, Rhonda (Charles) Clark; son-in-law, Doug Curtis and daughter-in-law, Bev Rush; He is also survived by his grandchildren, Donald (Bethany) Rush, Zachary (Kelly) Rush, Amber (Tanner) Hafley, Daniel (Brandy) Curtis, Doug (Jennifer) Curtis, John (Jesi) Shahan, Josh (Amber) Shahan, Ricky (Melissa) Shahan, Michael (Melissa) Rush and Matthew Rush; 19 great-grandchildren. In addition, Don will be missed by stepson, Jeff (Sandy) Howell, stepdaughter Angie (Dewayne) Everett, step-grandkids, Kyle Howell, Colby (Francesca) Howell, Lindsey and Landon Everett and one step-granddaughter.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Maple Grove Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Maple Grove Baptist Church at 11:00 am., with longtime friend and pastor, Rev. Ronnie Dotson, stepson, Rev. Jeff Howell and Sunday School teacher, David Ferguson officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors at 1:00 pm.

Serving as pallbearers are Donald Rush, Zachary Rush, Doug Curtis, Daniel Curtis, Josh Shahan and John Shahan.

For those who would like to make a gift in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Maple Grove Baptist Church.

Please express memories and condolences to the family on their guestbook.

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