Bill Text: MS HR55 | 2022 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Dr. G.A. "Sonny" Rush; honor life and legacy upon his passing.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-09 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR55 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2022-HR55-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Calvert, Evans (45th), Horne
House Resolution 55
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS "SONNY" RUSH III AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on August 20, 2021, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Dr. G.A. "Sonny" Rush III, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and community; and
WHEREAS, born on September 29, 1952, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Mr. Gustavus Adolphus Rush, Jr., and Mrs. Virginia Arline Rush, Dr. Rush was a 1970 graduate of Meridian High School, where he was class president, and after graduating high school, he attended the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, where he was fondly known as "The Governor"; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Rush received his Doctorate of Medicine at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1978, and then he completed his residency training in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine in 1984, at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he served as Chief Orthopedic Resident; and
WHEREAS, after completing his residency, Dr. Rush joined Rush Foundation Hospital, where he spent the entirety of his outstanding 38-year career as a third generation of Rush physicians, and during this time, he improved and enriched the lives of countless patients and friends, performed over 20,000 surgeries during his career, and had many other tremendous work accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Rush was instrumental in founding the Rush Orthopedic Program at Rush Hospital, and in 1987, he founded the Rush Sports Medicine Team, a group of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and athletic trainers who supported over 40 local high schools and colleges in Mississippi and West Alabama, and in 1992, he founded Rush Sports Medicine Research and Development, and as he was inspired by his desire to protect young athletes, he patented several cutting-edge technologies such as protective helmets and concussion sensors; and
WHEREAS, "Dr. Sonny," as he was affectionally known by his patients, treated work like a blessing, none of it like a chore, and to him, being a doctor was every bit as fun and enjoyable as his hobbies, and it is no coincidence that he routinely had clinic on late Friday afternoons because he loved taking care of patients, and his life was firmly dedicated to that; and
WHEREAS, as the true measure of the eternal impact that he made in this world may never be known, Dr. Rush dedicated his life to serving others, and as he was not only a beloved physician to his patients, but also a wonderful friend, and his faithful service in the medical community will continue to be an inspiration that will surely provide a road map for others to imitate for years to come; and
WHEREAS, for a sports medicine doctor, Dr. Rush achieved a Hall of Fame career, yet his career achievements in medicine paled in comparison to his achievements as a family man, a Christian, and a friend, and despite his busy schedule, his priorities were never in question as he prioritized family and faith above all else, and was adored by his five children and his wife of 40 years, Karen; and
WHEREAS, "Pops," as he was lovingly known by his five children and seven grandchildren, epitomized the ideal father and grandfather, and as his enormous accomplishments were only matched by his kindness and humility; and
WHEREAS, a genuine and distinguished man of outstanding character, exceptional courage and strength beyond comparison, Dr. Rush's devotion to his faith, his family, and to his community will always be remembered, and precious memories of time spent with him will hopefully continue to provide warmth, peace and comfort to his loved ones until they are reunited with him in Glory; and
WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, such as his parents, Mr. Gustavus Adolphus Rush, Jr., and Mrs. Virginia Arline Rush, and his sister, Jeannine Rush Savell, the legacy of Dr. Rush's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his loved ones, including his wife, Mrs. Karen Rush, and his five children, Heath Rush, Lane Rush, Alston Rush, Logan Rush and Callie Waite; seven grandchildren, Lane Rush, Jr., Luke Rush, Ben Rush, Lillian Rush, Henry Rush, Clara Jane Rush, and Drew Rush; siblings, Diane Douglas and Harriette Carney; and a host of other relatives and dear friends; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Rush will forever be loved, cherished and missed by all who knew him, and since it is written in 2 Corinthians 5:8, that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," his family and friends can find peace and comfort during this difficult time, and undoubtedly know that he is shouting with joy on the streets of gold with many jewels in his crown; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the lives of extraordinary Mississippians, especially those such as Dr. Rush, who truly inspired everyone he met and whose life's light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along his earthly sojourn:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. G.A. "Sonny" Rush III, and express sincere and deepest sympathy to his family, friends and community upon his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Dr. Gustavus Adolphus "Sonny" Rush III, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
