Paul Rush

Paul Rush, age 80, of Hernando, MS, passed away on September 17th, 2025. Born on July 11th, 1945, Paul was a man who lived life with gusto, laughter, and an unfiltered sense of humor. Known for his quick wit and endless stories, Paul was as much a part of the fabric of his community as he was a constant presence in the lives of those who loved him.
After graduating from Whitehaven High School, Paul took a job with the Illinois Central Railroad (CN Railroad), a career that spanned an impressive 42 years. His love for trains was only matched by his love for talking about them-whether you asked or not. A supervisor at heart, Paul wasn't just the guy who could fix anything on the railroad; he as the unofficial historian, with a story for every track, engine, and switch. If you spent five minutes with Paul, you knew the names of every train he'd ever worked on-and could probably recite their history, too.
Beyond the tracks, Paul had a deep passion for vintage cars. If there was a car show on TV, you could bet Paul was watching it, likely with a collection of witty remarks about the vehicles and, no doubt, a few "back in my day" stories to boot. And when the show was over? Well, Paul was probably humming an old blues tune or dancing on the patio with the love of his life, Alice, to some good time oldies. Music, like cars, was something that kept him young. Paul also enjoyed playing golf, a good plate of oysters, and proudly talking about his children, Sandra and Larry.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Alice Canale Rush, who kept him on his toes and was the love of his life. Together, they created a life full of love and laughter with their two dogs, Lucy and Desi. He is survived by his mother, Oneida Reynolds, and his children that he was always so proud of, Sandra Kay Rush Coker (L. Joe Coker) and Paul L. Rush Jr., who will forever miss his advice, his humor, and the love they shared.
He was also a proud grandfather to Dallas Jordan Lowrie Papathanasiou (Anthony Papathanasiou), Hunter Barrett Rush (Hannah Rush), Dalton Scott Lowrie, Andrew Chase Rush, and Joseph Alexander Rush, all of whom are grateful for his wisdom, humor, and the love he showered them with. His legacy lives on through his great-grandchildren: Nova Jo Layne Rush, Noah Marilyn Grace Rush, William Knox Papathanasiou, and his newest grandchild on the way, Shepherd Rush Papathanasiou, who will never know just how lucky they were to have a great-grandfather who was both a storyteller and a master of playing cards.
Paul's heart was also home to his beloved stepdaughter, Mimsy Shockley (Jacob Shockley), and his treasured step-granddaughter, Cate Tenent, who could always beat him at checkers-though he'd never admit it.
Paul's family and friends will remember him for the love he gave so freely, the joy he brought into every room, and his ability to make even the most ordinary moments feel special. He lived a life that was as full as the tracks he once worked on-a life that will be missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Paul. You've earned a seat in the front row of the great car show in the sky.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) in Paul's honor or perhaps take a drive in a vintage car and listen to some blues in his memory. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul, please visit our floral store.