Rush, Donald “Don” Hoyt, Sr.

Well-Known Square Dance Caller In Chattanooga

  • Monday, September 25, 2023
Donald “Don” Hoyt Rush, Sr.
Donald “Don” Hoyt Rush, Sr.

Donald “Don” Hoyt Rush, Sr., 84, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at his residence.

A native of Henagar, Al., he lived most of his life in Ringgold, before moving to Chattanooga. He was a former employee of Combustion Engineering, a member of Red Bank Baptist Church and was a well-known square dance caller in the Chattanooga area for 50 years. Don was a strong man of faith, attending church all his life, and was always one to spread the Gospel of Christ. He loved to sing for the Lord and participated in many church choirs. His favorite verse in the Bible was Romans 8;38-39. Don was very personable, had a great sense of humor and quick wit. He also loved watching the Tennessee Vols and Atlanta Braves.

Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Julian Rush; parents, Clarence Winston and Emily Myrtice Norwood Rush; son, Donald Hoyt Rush Jr.; daughter, Deanna Rush Denton and brother, Harold M. Rush.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Ann Goins Rush of Chattanooga; son, David Anthony Rush of River Rouge, MI.; step daughter, Cindy (Keith) Adams Watkins of Chattanooga; step-son, William D. (Lisa) Adams Jr. of Temple, GA.; sister, Barbara (Bobby) Owens of Rossville; four grandchildren, Jeremiah (Crystal) Denton, April Denton, Matthias Rush, and Ashley (Tyler) Selvidge Cavin; eight great grandchildren, Drew Cantrell, Kaley Moody, Sydney Cantrell, Lexi Cantrell, Camden Denton, Gracie Austin, Emma Jane Cavin and Elizabeth Rowan Cavin.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, at Red Bank Baptist Church with Dr. Fred Steelman, Rev. Bill Harvey and Pastor David Hall officiating. He will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m. Interment will follow at Keith Baptist Church Cemetery, 1573 Keith Road, Tunnel Hill, GA. 30755. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

Visit the online obituary at www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.

Obituaries
Tamela Leigh Ann Sise Sanders-Line
Tamela Leigh Ann Sise Sanders-Line
  • 5/6/2025

Tamela Leigh Ann Sise Sanders-Line, a cherished longtime resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 2, 2025. She was born on Oct. 12, 1974, to Herbert and Peggy ... more

Vickie Sue Seagle
Vickie Sue Seagle
  • 5/6/2025

Vickie Sue Seagle of Harrison, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025. She was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing. Vickie was preceded in death by her husband ... more

Jane Bennett Bowne
Jane Bennett Bowne
  • 5/6/2025

Jane Bennett Bowne, 84, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died on March 26, 2025, where she was most comfortable, at home, on her couch, in the morning sunlight, with her loved ones surrounding her. ... more