William Alan Rush, 71, of North, SC and formerly of Greenville, SC, passed away May 15, 2018 at his residence. Alan was born December 15, 1946 in Greenville to the late William West Rush and Beverly Calhoun Jones. Growing up in the Augusta Road area, Alan graduated from Greenville High School in 1965 and then went on to Clemson University to study Psychology. While at Clemson, he joined the ROTC and upon graduation in 1969, was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry Division, in the U.S. Army. Alan received a Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina and worked later in life as a Mental Health Counselor for Orangeburg County for many years until his retirement.
If you knew Alan, you knew his life’s passion was Golf. He was a member of the Greenville Country Club, Cobb’s Glen and Carolina Springs, but always considered his “home course” as Bonnie Brae. He very rarely missed the 4-ball Tournaments, held every Saturday and Sunday, and it was at Bonnie Brae where he developed many life-long friends who bestowed him with the endearing nickname of “Cusser” for his “passionate temper.” The love of golf transcended into Alan’s professional life, as well, as he embarked on selling, repairing & restoring golf carts. Eventually, this business venture blossomed into EV Systems, building various electric vehicles in sizes and configurations and serving many businesses, including Bob Jones University.
Alan grew this business until 1982 when his life was forever changed by a severe and debilitating stroke that resulted in complete paralysis of his left side. Through rehabilitation and great effort, he was eventually able to walk but had many physical difficulties throughout his life. He still played Golf one-handed and was an inspiration to many of his friends and strangers who saw him on the course. He even developed a Putter for physically handicap individuals that was patented and found to conform with regulations by the USGA Equipment Standards Committee.
Alan was a devout Christian, growing up at Pendleton Street Baptist church, but mostly enjoyed his community at Hopewell Southern Methodist Church in Neeses, SC later in life.
Survivors include his daughter, Allison Goldsmith (Billy) of Greenville; his son, Alan Spencer Rush (Lauren) of Greenville; their mother, Nancye Blackwell Rush; his brother, Dr. David Rush (Sue) of Greenville; one Grandson, John Paul Sullivan Jr.; and a number of nieces, nephews in Greenville and cousins in North and Camden, SC. He was predeceased by a sister Diane Rush.
The family suggest that memorials may be sent to "Clemson Life Fund" in Care of Clemson University Foundation PO Box 1889 Clemson, SC 29633.
There will be a Memorial Service in Greenville, SC on Tuesday, June 26th at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown Location. The family will receive friends at 2 pm and then a service at 3 pm will follow.
Allison and Spencer would like to thank Dukes-Harley Funeral Home in Orangeburg for help during this difficult time, the members of Hopewell Southern Methodist Church and Pastor John Hucks, and all of our family in North that helped take care of our Daddy for the years that he lived there.