Wilburn O. Rushing's Obituary
Rushing, Wilburn O., 97, of Seminole passed away peacefully on April 10, 2012. He was born on December 25, 1914, in Bonifay, Florida. He was predeceased by parents, Lula and Stephen, and 12 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ruth Katherine Rushing; son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Mia Rushing; son and daughter-in-law Richard and Alisa Rushing; daughter and son-in-law Renee Rushing and David Gaul; daughter Cherie Zellmer; daughter and son-in-law Merry and James Kates. Grandchildren -Kellie Pesola, Jonee Gaul, Trevor Gaul, Kerry Kates Pearson, Kylie Kates, Holly Rushing Rodes, Whitney Rushing McCallum, Timothy and Matthew Rushing. Great-grandchildren - Cameron and Harrison Pesola, Ayden and Asher Rodes, Conner Pearson and Rylan Gaul. He excelled in track and gymnastics sports. He was Mr. St. Petersburg in the 1930's and an undefeated semi-pro boxer (20 - 0). When World War II broke out he volunteered and served as a US Marine in the Pacific Theatre. In 1956 he was the first to graduate with honors with an associate degree from St. Petersburg Junior College's night school program and worked for Florida Power, now Progress Energy, for 42 years, rising from an Elevator Operator to Manager of Operations, Computer Services Department. He served as an officer in the St. Petersburg Garden Club, a member of the Tampa Bay Rare Fruits Council, and enjoyed creating new hybrid fruit and flowering trees. He and his wife, Katherine, traveled extensively after his retirement. He was an honest, upright, hard worker and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed and always dearly remembered. Grave side services will be held Friday, April 13th at Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Petersburg.
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