NEW COLUMBIA, Ill. — Mr. Craig Rushing, 52, of New Columbia, Ill., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 06, 2012. He was born in Blue Island, Ill., October 3, 1960.

His family moved back to the New Columbia area in 1972. He was a loving husband, proud father, great son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. He lived in New Columbia most of his life. New Hope Baptist Church in New Columbia, Ill., was his home church for many years. He taught Boys RA class, Adult Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and was a Deacon of the Church. He also was involved in building projects, mission trips to Jamaica, a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 101 and a hunter safety course instructor.

Craig worked as a carpenter with his father during high school and after he graduated. Later, he owned his own carpentry business for some time. He then went on to become an insulator with Local 37.

Craig will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends. He never saw a stranger, had a great big smile, lived his faith on a daily basis and was a devoted husband and father.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Brenda Staton Rushing, and children, Eric Craig and Breanna Sue Rushing; father, Robert L. Rushing and wife Linda of Metropolis, Ill.; four sisters, LouAnn Urness of Racine, Wis., Roberta Davenport of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., Kimberly Lunsford and husband Larry of Metropolis, Ill., and Samantha Bailey and husband David of Metropolis, Ill., and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley M. Rushing; his grandparents, Louis and Isabelle Fought and Charlie and Nellie Rushing; one nephew, Duane A. Rushing, and one niece, Jennifer Rose Burnham.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, December 9, 2012, at Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home or Monday from 9-11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 10, at New Hope Baptist Church in New Columbia, Ill.

Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to: the Eric and Breanna Rushing Education Fund c/o City National Bank, 423 Ferry Street, Metropolis, IL, 62960.