Melvin Newton Rushton

Melvin Newton Rushton, a lifelong resident of Montgomery, passed away on September 1, 2022, at the age of 94. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Rushton Pugh (Corky and grand dog, Tobe) and his cherished granddaughter, Michele Rushton Brown (Rick) and great grandchildren, Bailey Brown and Evans Brown. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 72 years, Anne Jacquelyn Rushton; his son, Lee Alan Rushton; his parents, Lula Gantt Rushton and Henry L. Rushton, Sr.; and his brother, Henry L. Rushton, Jr.

Melvin spent his career with City Beverage Company and Montgomery Beverage where he made lifelong friends servicing his customers. These customers were from all walks of life, and Melvin cherished his friendships with them. And they loved him because he was so kind, generous and encouraging to them. Melvin was a wonderful storyteller, and it didn’t take much for him to launch into stories of his special memories of all of the people he encountered along the way.

Melvin had much success playing football at Hertz Private School in Montgomery where he was the quarterback. He received a scholarship to Mississippi State to play football. He tells the story that it was a desolate place back then, there was nothing to do but play pool and the food wasn’t good, so he came home. In reality, he came home because he was homesick.

Melvin served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific and mostly on the Island of Guam. He received the Victory Medal and Asiatic Pacific Medal. He was 18 when he enlisted.

The family is so appreciative of the loving care Melvin received from the wonderful Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), nurses, aides and administrative staff from December of 2019 to September 1, 2022. This staff was heroic in their efforts to contain Covid and to keep residents safe. The family is so appreciative of their efforts continuing to care for our loved ones while risking their safety in the midst of the pandemic. We would be remiss if we didn’t single out two CNAs, Valerie Palmer and LaSonya Edwards, for their loving care of Melvin. We never worried, and it gave us great comfort, when he was in their care.

The family is also appreciative of special former caregivers who loved on Melvin. They are Ola Crosby, Carol Lovejoy and Rosalind Wright.

There will be a private graveside service with immediate family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Rushton family.