Thomas L. Rushin Jr., family patriarch
Thomas L. Rushin Jr. of Lewes, son of the late Thomas Rushin Sr. and Arena Hinton, was born July 6, 1931, in Columbus, Ga. Thomas passed peacefully Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating high school. He was part of the Army Advanced Airborne Infantry. He married Bessie Ann Brittingham, and from this union came one son, Tommy L. Rushin. Together, Thomas and Bessie raised four sons, Andre Hatchett, Michael Brittingham, Randy Brittingham and Ronald Brittingham.
Thomas worked and retired after 25 years from the Delaware Department of Transportation. His family recalls many late nights due to snow-covered roads, but Pop always made time to check on them. He was a family man who loved to cook and bake; always willing to take care and provide for his family and friends. His home as well as his heart, was always opened and ready to welcome his loved ones. Pop, also known as Uncle Bubba and Uncle Tommy, was the patriarch of the family.
Thomas enjoyed sports - basketball, football and boxing. We would laugh at him bobbin’ and weavin’ during the boxing matches as if he was in the ring. The Philadelphia Eagles were his favorite NFL team. His favorite pasttime was coaching his son, Tommy, in youth basketball and baseball. Tommy recalls many hours spent on the baseball field and basketball court with Pop by his side. Thomas loved going to his favorite stores, Bylers and The Dollar Tree, with his wife and son, Ronald. He was passionate about attending his grandsons’, BJ and Kris’ games, all the way through high school, at Cape, sitting front row in his “Cadillac”.
He was a true protector of his family, especially Bessie, the love of his life. He would never allow anyone to say anything about her. They could argue and the next few minutes, he’s asking her what she wants to eat. The love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was everlasting. They were his pride and joy.
Thomas was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Creighton; son Andre Hatchett; nephew Frank “Pete” Creighton; and grandson Travoris Brittingham. He leaves to cherish his everlasting memories to his wife of 48 years, Bessie Ann; sons Tommy L. Rushin Sr. (Michele), Randy Brittingham, Ronald Brittingham (Joyce) and Michael Brittingham; 17 grandchildren, including four special grandchildren, Michiah Rushin, Tommy “BJ” Rushin Jr., Kristoffer Rushin, Randy Brittingham Jr.; a host of great-grandchildren, including two special great-grandchildren, Nova Marie “Fat Legs” and Lola “Bear”; two nieces, Jackie Creighton-Whitaker (Larry) and Honorable Vivian Creighton-Bishop (Honorable Congressman Sanford); great-nieces Duchess Ford and Nita Reese and Londyn Reese; and two great-nephews Chancellor Ford and Jackson Ford, a special family friend, Victoria “Vicky” Gibbs and a host of in-laws.
A private service will be held Saturday, Nov. 14.
Services entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service Inc., Laurel.
