Leslie Vaughan Rush, Jr.

There will be a private graveside service for Leslie Vaughan Rush, Jr. Burial will take place at the Rush Family Cemetery in Bailey, Mississippi.

Leslie Vaughan Rush, Jr., affectionately known as "Cricket," passed away the morning of Sunday, November 24, 2024, fulfilling a life of dedication and compassion. Born on September 19, 1936, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Leslie V. Rush, Sr. and Katharine Brooks Rush, Vaughan was a remarkable man, who left behind a legacy of achievement, care, and betterment of those who knew him.

Vaughan graduated from Meridian High School in 1958 and pursued higher education at the University of Alabama. He furthered his studies at Tulane School of Medicine, completing his residency in general surgery at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. It was during this time that he met and married Frances Harding, with whom he shared fifty-eight years of love and partnership.

Returning to Meridian, Vaughan joined his father at Rush Foundation Hospital, pioneering peripheral vascular surgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery in those early years. His commitment to medicine extended beyond his practice, as he served on the Boards of Rush Foundation Hospital and Rush Health Systems, Inc., until 2018. Known for his conscientiousness, Vaughan was a true southern gentleman, admired by family, colleagues, and patients alike.

Vaughan's life was enriched by his many interests. As a boy, Vaughan struggled with dyslexia, but overcame it during a time when dyslexia was not easily recognized. He championed dyslexia diagnosis and education efforts until his death. As a teenager, Vaughan became an Eagle Scout and an avid golfer, developing a lifelong love for the game. He cherished time spent on his farmland, tending to trees, caring for cows, and rescuing stray dogs. Later in life, Vaughan also found great joy in boating along the rivers and waterways of Mississippi and Alabama with family and friends and listening and dancing to old classic country music.

As a father, husband, and grandfather, Vaughan was guided by the principle, "Let your conscience be your guide," a phrase coined by Jiminy Cricket and one he often shared with those he loved. His grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Cricket," will forever remember his wisdom, warmth, and guidance. Vaughan's life was a testament to hard work, dedication, love, the pursuit of excellence and doing what is right.

Preceded in death by his parents, Leslie V. Rush, Sr. and Katharine Brooks Rush and sister, Beryl R. Webb.

Survived by his wife, Frances Harding Rush; children, Leslie V. Rush, III (Tammy), Laurie Rush Barker (Greg), Anna Katharine Moore (Buddy), Benjamin Terrell Rush, Christopher Marion Rush (Mary); grandchildren, Leslie V. Rush, IV (Emily), Neely Brantley (Karl), Andrew Rush (Hallie), Daniel Moore (Kristen), Morgan Moore, Meagan Smith (Josh), Meredith Barker, Madison Barker, Katie Rush, Audrey Rush, Sally Rush, Ellie Rush, Benjamin Rush, Charlotte Rush; great grandchildren, Caroline Rush, Tripp Brantley, Jackson Brantley, Emmy Brantley, Finley Smith, Sunday Smith, Emery Smith, and Millie Smith; and beloved pets, Oreo, Toto, Daisy Rose, Jelly Bean, Minnie Kitty, Ferdinand, Hannah, Suzie, and Danny's Girl.

Pallbearers named for the graveside service are Leslie V. Rush, IV, Andrew Rush, Daniel Moore, Benjamin Rush, Jr., Buddy Moore, Karl Brantley, Jeremy Crane, Alex Weddington, and Brian Brookshire.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials and donations be given to the East Mississippi Animal Rescue, 2440 North Hills Street, Suite 105-107, Meridian, MS 39305 or the 3-D School of Dynamic Dyslexia Design, 120 South George St., Petal, MS 39465, the3dschool.org.