Mr. Glen Jerome Rushing, age 74 passed away September 17, 2024, in Tallahassee, FL after a battle with lung cancer. He was born July 11, 1950, in DeFuniak Springs, FL to Thedwell and Elma Prescott Rushing. He graduated as the 1968 class valedictorian from Walton County High School in DeFuniak Springs, FL. He later attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University receiving a “Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science”.
Glen is preceded in death by his parents, Thedwell and Elma Rushing; three brothers, Edgar Rushing, Roger Rushing, Kenneth Rushing; and sister, Gail Rushing Sherman.
Glen is survived by his beautiful wife of 26 years, Consuelo; two daughters, Becky Rushing of Green Mountain, NC, and Glenda Whitecotten (husband Rick) of Mount Pleasant, SC; brother Randall Rushing (wife Lisa) of Madison, AL; sister Beverly Whatley of DeFuniak Springs, FL; half-brother, Jay Davis of Geneva, AL; 3 grandchildren- Adam Smith, Ashley Lewis, Christie Crowell; 8 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Glen served 6.5 years in the US Air Force as a C-141 & C-5 mechanic until his sister, Gail, who is now an Army recruiter, recruited him into the US Army. Gail even had the honor of swearing Glen into the Army in Miami, FL. He spent 13.5 years proudly serving as an Army helicopter pilot initially as a Warrant Officer and later transitioned to the Commissioned Officer rank. He was always happy to point out that he ranked higher than his baby brother. Having completed over 20 years of service to his country, he retired in 1989 as an Army Captain (0-3).
After retirement from the Army, Glen had a variety of interests to keep him busy that ranged from driving a truck, opening his own locksmith business, opening the first local internet provider service and computer store in DeFuniak Springs, to building his own fixed-wing airplane and teaching new aspiring pilots how to fly. One of his favorite hobbies was driving a race car at the South Alabama Speedway in Kinston, AL. He said it was one of his favorite things to do because the adrenaline rush at 120+ MPH was like no other.
For the last 10 years, you could always find Glen at the Country Kitchen in Tallahassee, FL, eating his breakfast and probably cracking a smart joke with whoever was around.
A Graveside Service will be held on September 23, 2024, at 11:00 am at Red Bay Presbyterian Cemetery in Ponce de Leon, FL with military honors by the United States Army.