Melvin J. Rush Sr.

Melvin Joe Rush, 81, of Salisbury, departed peacefully from this life to the next on May 27, 2021. Devoutly kneeling in his home and audibly praying a prayer filled with praise and gratitude, Mr. Rush drew his final breaths in worship and service to God while giving thanks for a beautiful life filled with love for and from his late wife (Margaret) and their children. From sunrise to sunset, Mr. Rush was a strong and wise person who unwaveringly pursued equity, equality and quality in education and career for himself, his siblings, his mentee (who became his wife), his children, his students and all who wisely flocked to him for guidance and support. Mr. Rush was a career educator who served magnificently as a favorite guidance counselor in the Rowan County School System and retired from that position after serving the youth of the community for more than thirty years. Prior to serving as a guidance counselor, Mr. Rush taught biology. Mr. Rush's younger siblings were some of Mr. Rush's first students as a certified teacher. Like many students blessed with Mr. Rush's tutelage and guidance, Mr. Rush's siblings received excellent college educations and were able to devote themselves to successful careers and professions. Mr. Rush was born in Stanly County on February 3, 1940 to the late Rowan Jefferson Rush and Estella Waddell Rush. Mr. Rush was the fourth of thirteen children (third of nine sons, younger brother to one sister, and older brother to the remaining three sisters and six brothers). In addition to his wife and parents, preceding Mr. Rush in death are his sister Edyth Rush McClain (George, who is deceased) and his brothers Alphonzo Rush (Barbara), Valjean Rush (formerly married to Shirley), and Kenneth Rush (Roberta). Mr. Rush graduated from Norwood Colored School and Kingville High School in Norwood, North Carolina before enrolling with and graduating from Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina. An excellent student with a strong work ethic, Mr. Rush financed his college education by working odd jobs at the college and in the community during the academic year and Mr. Rush did the same in New York during school breaks. Because of his academic success, Mr. Rush was a Junior at Livingstone College and serving as a Freshman mentor when he was assigned to guide Margaret Delores Corry through her early collegiate life. It was in that capacity that Mr. Rush fell in love with his soulmate and began to build a storybook life with the woman who would be his life mate before her death left him unconsolably longing for her and ultimately rejoining her in life everlasting just seven months following her passing and just a week prior to her first heavenly birthday. Melvin graduated from Livingstone College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and subsequently earned his master's degree from UNC-Charlotte. On January 26, 1963, Melvin crossed into the Tau Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Salisbury, North Carolina. On September 28, 1963, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Rush became one when they were joined in Holy Matrimony at Soldiers Memorial AMEZ church by the late Dr. E.N. French. Melvin then gained an additional six brothers and five sisters (together with their spouses). Soon thereafter, Melvin and Margaret celebrated the birth of their first son (Melvin Joe Rush, II) in 1965; their daughter (Meleisa Cassandra Rush-Lane) in 1969 and their second son (Marius Llewellyn Rush) in 1971. Melvin's and Margaret's love continued to flourish while their family continued to grow with the unions of Meleisa (Freddie Lane, Esq.); Marius (Shemeka B. Rush); and Melvin (Virginia Rush); as well as with the love of their Godson Magellan Stevenson, III (son of church family members Cindy Leach Stevenson and Magellan Stevenson, II) and grandchildren Basha Rush and Bakari Rush (born to Marius and Shemeka). Melvin enjoyed serving his community as a scout master with The Boy Scouts of America; a mentor to countless young women and men; a champion of social justice with and president of his local chapter of the NAACP; educator; Soldier's Memorial AMEZ Church youth choir director, senior choir member and active church member; member of the Salisbury Ecumenical Choir; and as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Additionally, Melvin enjoyed fishing, bowling, gardening, playing the piano and singing. Melvin enjoyed singing sweet things like “I Love You For Sentimental Reasons“ to his cherished wife. More than anything, Melvin just enjoyed sharing his days with the love of his life who he affectionately called “Bunch”. Survivors include son Melvin Joe Rush, II of Salisbury, NC: daughter Meleisa Rush-Lane, Esq. of Fayetteville, NC; son Marius Llewellyn Rush of Salisbury, NC; grandchildren Basha and Bakari Rush of Nashville, Tennessee; brothers Robert Rush (Vergia), Franklin Rush (Eula), Albert Rush (Rosa), Oscar Rush (Bertha) and Gerald Rush (Yvonne or Miriam); sisters Patricia Wall (Dr. Ralph Wall), Anita Lilly (James) and Cyvonne Gaines (Ollie); and a grand host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Arrangements: Memorial Service conducted by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will be held at 10:30 am on June 12, 2021 in Salisbury, NC at Soldiers Memorial AMEZ Church. and funeral will began at 11:00 am. Properly worn masks and Social Distancing will be required. The family will also receive socially distanced and properly mask-adorned family and friends at 524 West Monroe Street. Interment will be at Bennettsville AMEZ Church Cemetery in Norwood, NC immediately following the funeral. Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to 524 West Monroe Street, Salisbury, North Carolina. Noble and Kelsey Funeral Home, Inc. is assisting the Rush Family. Online condolences may be sent to nobleandkelsey.com.