Thomas Rush Jennings Obituary (1956 - 2017)

Born Jan 05, 1956, Thomas Rush Jennings attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Thomas Rush Jennings.

Graduation Year	Class of 1974
Date of Birth	Jan 05, 1956
Date of Passing	Oct 26, 2017
About	January 5, 1956 October 26, 2017 Surrounded by and enveloped in the love of his family, our cherished husband, father, and brother, Thomas Rush Jennings, of Blue Ridge, Va., walked into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, October 26, 2017, free of the bonds of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 61 years old. Rush was the oldest child of Homer Deward and Nellie Helton Jennings, who predeceased him. Born in Galax, Va., he grew up in Crozet and spent his middle and high school years in Vinton. Rush graduated from William Byrd High School, Virginia Western Community College and Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He was a lifelong proud Hokie. Rush later earned his Master's of Engineering Administration degree from The George Washington University. He loved engineering, especially in the nuclear industry. Rush held positions at Westinghouse (Pittsburgh), Electro-tec (Blacksburg), and Framatome/Areva ANP (Lynchburg), where he was able to put his many talents to good use in both the United States and France before his early retirement. He also loved being a part of his community and devoted many hours to its service. Rush was a leader and lifetime member of the Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, served as Treasurer for the Church of God Virginia Ministerial Association, judged Virginia High School League swimming, walked and cycled for multiple charitable organizations, coached little league soccer, taught Vacation Bible School, was a gifted professional photographer, and swam with his children on the Read Mountain Swim Team until he became unable to do so. Rush could build, wire, plumb, or fix anything, and he faced any issue (including his illness) with courage and concern not for himself, but for his beloved family. He was a generous and dedicated Christian and proud member of the First Church of God, Roanoke for 40 years. Although his work and community service were important to Rush, they were second to his love and devotion for his God and his family. He considered his greatest gifts to be his children, Paul Thomas and Laura Kate Jennings, whom he loved beyond measure. After dating Cathy Dickinson Jennings for nine years, he married her and continued to love her boundlessly for a much-too-short 31 years. Rush is also survived by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Bill Stagg of Easton, Md.; brother, Brian Deward Jennings of Norfolk, Va.; his uncle/aunt, Bob and Frances Jennings; his mother-in-law, Mickie Dickinson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Brenda and Paul Rechtman and Linda and Bobby Sboray; his "second parents," Harold and Linda Hall; several cousins; nine nieces and nephews, whom he dearly loved; and of course, his precious pup, Sophie. His family thanks his devoted doctors, J. Gordon Burch and Terrence May, and sends special gratitude to Dr. Christopher Wood, who provided matchless support to both Rush and Cathy in recent years. Thank you also to the caring staff of the Adult Care Center, Carilion Hospice, and to Mickie Dickinson and Brenda Rechtman, who provided many hours of loving care for Rush. Last but certainly not least, we cannot adequately thank the many loving caregivers at Woodhaven Nursing Home for their sensitivity and compassion for our entire family. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2017, at Oakey's East Chapel in Bonsack. The celebration of Rush's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2017, at the First Church of God, 5008 Hildebrand Road NW, Roanoke, with the Rev. Dr. James Milner officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Burial Park. While flowers are appreciated, please consider a donation (noted in Rush's memory) to the Woodhaven Employee Fund, c/o David Graves, Administrator, P.O. Box 168, Montvale VA 24122. Online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com. This much-loved man will be forever missed.