Roland Howard “Smokey” Rush passed away on August 14, 2021 at Mobile Infirmary. Roland was 89.
He was born in Mobile, Ala. on September 8, 1931. He spent his early years in Mobile, New Orleans and Montrose. Roland graduated from UMS in 1951 while also serving in the National Guard. He enlisted in the Army in 1956 and was accepted into the Army Security Agency as a Russian Linguist. At the end of his enlistment, Roland continued his government service as an Intelligence Officer with the National Security Agency in Ft Meade, MD, and Germany. He retired in 1986 after 38 combined years with the National Guard, Army, and Department of Defense.
Roland/Dad/Opa/Uncle Roland/Smokey loved Jesus and invested much of his time serving others. His faith and his gift for service is his legacy which established a strong foundation for his family. Christ radiated through him and he was a selfless example for others. He loved to line dance, grow Day Lilies, cheer on the Crimson Tide, and defend the birds in his garden and yard from predatory cats.
Roland was preceded in death by his parents Howard C. and Florence Rush, his sister Virginia Rush Threefoot and his brother Lionel G. Rush. Survivors include his devoted, multi-decade sweetheart Nancy Blish, three children: Thomas Howard Rush (Mary Lou), Patricia Rush Merck (Jim), Melissa Rush Phillips (Bryan); sisters Barbara Rush Hodgekiss and Gwendolyn Rush Creel Adkerson; ten grandchildren: Brandon Styron (Rachel), Stephen Styron, Alex Rush, Sarah Merck Haile (Peter), Taylor Whidbee (BreAnna), Daniel Merck, John Rush (Meredith), Seth Merck, Madisen Phillips and Chase Phillips; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the care provided by the loving staff of the Mobile Infirmary COVID Care Unit.
Family will receive family and friends for viewing and visitation Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Wolfe Bayview Funeral Home in Fairhope from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. with graveside immediately following at Montrose Cemetery. Roland’s longtime pastor and friend, Mack Morris will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roland’s memory to Woodridge Baptist Church Building Fund, Montrose Cemetery Association (P.O. Box 98, Montrose, AL 36559), The Thomas Hospital Foundation or the Infirmary Foundation.
For those in attendance, the family respectfully requests visitors to practice social distancing and wear masks at all times.
Arrangements entrusted to Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, 36532. 251-990-7775. www.wolfefuneralhomes.com.
