Dairold Rushing

The Rev. Roland Dairold Rushing, age 83, Hernando, FL passed away August 31, 2021 at the AdventHealth Hospital in Ocala. Pastor Rushing was born in Coffee County, AL on November 10, 1937 to the late Cecil Walter Rushing and Vida Beatrice (Waldrop) Rushing, and came to Citrus County from Lakeland, FL in 1979. He served as the lead pastor of The First Assembly of God (now called Redemption Point Assembly) in Inverness, for almost 40 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 60 years, Bettye (Carter) Rushing; three daughters: Rhonda Isenhour and husband Philip of Inverness; Renitra Wallace and husband Tim of Inverness; Rolanda Montenegro and husband Gerard of New Braunfels, TX; his brother, Ronald Rushing and wife Lisa, of Thomasville, GA; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded by his three sisters, Chastine McCord, Maxine Cole, Charlotte Latham; and his granddaughter, Jade Knighton.

Pastor Rushing was always zealous in his endeavors, beginning with his first job as a teenager at the Jitney Jungle Supermarket in Elba, AL. He enlisted as a young man with the Alabama National Guard and served in a medical unit from Mobile, AL, during the Berlin Crisis. When he met Bettye in 1960, he was a bookkeeper with a Mechanical Contracting Company and doing night classes for architectural drawing. Having accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, he had a passion for singing Gospel songs and was actively involved in his church. In following the call to ministry, Pastor Rushing moved his family to Lakeland, FL, in 1966, to attend Southeastern Bible College (now Southeastern University). In 1968, the pastor resigned where they were members at K-Ville Assembly of God. The head deacon sought out Dairold to become the pastor. After getting his credentials, he assumed the lead pastor role while continuing his education and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts/Ministerial degree.

In 1979, the First Assembly of God in Inverness called Pastor Rushing, requesting he come to preach and consider being a candidate for the lead pastor. After a 100% vote, the Rushings knew this was God’s new challenge for them. During the 39 ½ years of serving at First AG, the church was relocated from Highland Blvd in town to the current location. New buildings began with a Youth Center, a beautiful sanctuary, classrooms and office complex, and a School/Daycare Facility. Many lives were changed, and God was faithful to provide staff and other needs. Pastor Rushing had the philosophy that the church that took care of its pastor and gave to missions would be blessed – He got it right!

There is a Celebration of Life scheduled for Pastor Rushing on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Redemption Point Assembly of God in Inverness with Dr. Terry Raburn and others officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. There will be a visitation and viewing at the church from 12 PM until 2:00 PM when service will begin. Flowers are appreciated; however, the family suggests an option for contributions to Assemblies of God World Missions, payable to Redemption Point AG, PO Box 578, Inverness, FL, 34451. The Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home in Inverness is assisting the family.