Rev. Troy Marlin Rushing, Jr.

Troy Marlin Rushing, Jr. of China Grove, North Carolina passed away on May 13, 2023,

at the age of 75 in Concord, North Carolina. He battled a serious illness for several years

showing great courage in facing life’s challenges. He proved to be a man who trusted

God and stayed strong until the end of his earthly journey.

Troy was born in Starkville, Mississippi on January 18, 1948, as the only child of Troy

Rushing, Sr., and Lora Elouise Edwards. His family moved to Union Grove, Wisconsin

when he was in the first grade for his father’s work. Troy grew into an all-conference

football athlete and all-conference saxophone musician. After graduation from high

school, Troy followed the call to prepare for ministry to Lee University in Cleveland,

Tennessee where he became class president and a member of Upsilon XI and the Pioneers

for Christ.

Upon graduation from Lee with a B.S. degree he spent a short time evangelizing full time

and then married the love of his life, Lorraine Morris in 1971. They had two sons, Justin

Paul who preceded him in death in 1986 and Jonathan Morris, who is living in China

Grove, North Carolina with his wife Laury and their two children, Jordan, and Austin.

Troy was a delight to all who knew him. He loved to share many funny stories and could

always find humor in the most mundane of life’s circumstances. He and Lorraine started

their Pastoral ministry in Alexandria, Kentucky immediately after marriage. They later

went on to pastor successfully in Magee, Mississippi and Burlington, North Carolina. He

was known as a skilled leader and excellent preacher of the Gospel experiencing great

growth in every place of service. In 1991 he was appointed as the Executive Director of

the Church of God Children’s Home in Concord, North Carolina where he served

faithfully for almost seventeen years. After leaving the Home for Children he continued

to serve as an Associate Pastor and evangelist. He also helped his son Jonathan start

Elevate Roofing and Exteriors, Inc. and served many years part-time in secular

employment in the construction industry where he continued to exemplify Christ with

every customer and coworker he encountered.

Reverend Rushing was an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God and an active member

of the Kannapolis Church of God. He leaves a legacy of faithful service to the Lord Jesus

that reached thousands in over 53 years of ministry. He loved everyone and is loved in

return by all those who knew him. He was a man of character and compassion that

dedicated his life in service to his King. He will be missed by all, but we rejoice that his

reward is great in heaven for the work of a ‘good and faithful servant’.

Funeral services for Rev. Rushing will be held 6:30 P.M. Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Kannapolis Church of God with Rev. Jonathan Rushing and Rev. Dr. Greg Sloop officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church 4:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. prior to the service.

Interment will be private.

Whitley’s Funeral Home is serving the family of Rev. Rushing. Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com

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