Oran Horace Rushing

Oran Horace Rushing aka Johnny Carroll -   Johnny Rushing passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023 after a long illness. Johnny has gone on for his final fight for the Lord to win souls and is finally free. Mr. Rushing was born on April 17, 1929, in Bonifay, Florida to W.C. Rushing and Hilda Lash Rushing. Mr. Rushing started boxing at age 11. He was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School class of 1948. In the fall of 1948, he was drafted to the Army, but decided to join the Air Force IN SPECIAL SERVICES. He was a boxing coach during his time in the service. In 1948, he was ranked 12th in the world, Jr Welterweight, by the boxing Bible of Ring Magazine.  Johnny was instrumental in helping to bring to Jacksonville the local chapter of the National Boxing Association during the 1960’s. Mr. Rushing retired from boxing in 1967.  He served 10 years on the Duval County Road Patrol, 11 years as a Bailiff for the Honorable Judge Haddock, 
 and finally retired as a drug counselor in the State Rehabilitation Drug Program with the Salvation Army in 2003. Mr. Rushing enjoyed attending and was a devoted member of the Gospel Lighthouse Church.  He loved spending time with his family, enjoyed spending time in his yard, looking out the window, talking to and visiting old friends. He was an avid sports fan who loved watching golf, and the Florida Gators. He was preceded in death by his beautiful loving wife, Mary Carol Rushing; son, Scotty Rushing; stepson, Lee St. John; daughter, Debra (Dubie) Daniels; and his beloved dog, Odis. 

 He is survived by his stepchildren that he loved and cared for as his own, June St. John (Phyllis), Robyn (Mike) Crawford, Lisa (David) Bennett; 16 grandchildren, 38 great- grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter; two children, Janice, and Jimmy;  and along with his love and companion his dog, Tootie. 

A Celebration of Mr. Rushing’s life will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at Giddens-Reed Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  The arrangements are under the care and direction of Giddens-Reed Funeral Home at 270 US Highway 301 Baldwin, FL 32234. 904-266-2337. Visit www.giddensreedfh.com  to sign the family’s guest book.

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