Charles Edward Rush

1936 - 2018

Charles Edward Rush

Pensacola - Charles Edward Rush was born in Pensacola Florida, January 27, 1936 to the late Cora Mae Rush-Williams and Pervis William Lewis. He peacefully departed this life on Thursday, October 25, 2018.

Charles graduated from South High School in Akron, Ohio where he was affectionately remembered as being a great all-around player in football, basketball, and track. He had natural talent and great athleticism. The source of his tremendous talent, athletic abilities and performance propelled his football career. He reached the height of his fame as a defensive end for a Semi-Pro league known as the Akron Pros.

After his stint with professional football, Charles was gainfully employed by Firestone Rubber and Tire Corporation in Akron, OH. He relocated to the Chicago, Illinois area in the late 1960s where he was gainfully employed at General Motors Corporation. Charles retired from General Motors after twenty-five years of service and returned to his birthplace of Pensacola, Florida in 1996 and married Sandra Rush. During his retirement, he remained an avid sports enthusiast who vividly indulged himself with collegiate and professional sports. He enjoyed leisure golf as his hobby.

Charles was a proud husband, father, grandfather and friend to many and he will be truly missed and fondly remembered by his loving family and those who knew him.

Charles Edward Rush is preceded in death by his parents Cora Mae Rush-Williams and Pervis William Lewis, two sisters, Sharon Williams Daniel, Clara Williams Howard, brother Willie H. Williams and daughter Rhoda Richmond.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Sandra Rush; two sisters, Marilyn Williams and Mary Williams Allen from Akron, Ohio; one stepsister, Jackie Atkins of Pensacola, Florida; one brother, Gerald Williams (Linda) of Oregon, Wisconsin; children; five daughters Deborah Henderson (Jesse), Norma Lewis, and Jean Lewis, Janice Lewis, all from Akron, Ohio and LaShawn Hall from Madison Wisconsin; seven sons, Stephen Wheeler (Wanda) of Duluth, Georgia, Brandon Rush and Kenyatta Rush, both from Chicago, Illinois, and Troy Rush, Charles E. Lewis, Theron Lewis and Kenneth Amos (Cynthia), all from Akron, Ohio. Fifteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Sacred Heart Covenant Unit.

Funeral services will be held at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (625 North "D" Street) on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 11 o'clock with the Reverend Tyler V. Hardeman, Sr. officiating. Joe Morris Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements where the body can be viewed from 12:00 p.m. - 9 p.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.