Tory Lee Rushing

Tory Lee Rushing, age 43, entered Eternal rest Thursday, October 8, 2020 while a patient at Carolinas Medical Center-Main, Charlotte, North Carolina. Born January 31, 1977, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Tory was the son of Emma Rushing Smith and Johnny Smith. Words worth remembering when we face challenges in our lives, might be easier if we had wings like an eagle, for then, barriers could be mountable. But our family has “wings” of courage, faith, hope, prayer, and determination as we mourn the loss of our dear Tory. We serve a Merciful and Just God, and he will see us through this difficult time in our lives. We give Our Almighty thanks for Tory’s life and we will remember him through eternity. 

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and graduated in the Class of 1995 from Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle, North Carolina. Tory was employed with New Finish Powder Coating Company, Norwood, North Carolina.

Tory was his mother’s baby boy. He cherished his mother, and she cherished him. They had a great relationship. He always enjoyed family gatherings. Tory was an excellent athlete. An exceptional football player in high school. Tory was the ‘first’ to score 2,000 yards in a season. He was an avid Carolina Panther and Clemson Tigers fan.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy Hill Rushing, Troy, North Carolina; sons: Tory Rushing Jr., Albemarle and Ti-Lee Rushing, New Jersey; daughter, Taryn Rushing, Badin, North Carolina; mother and father, Emma and Johnny Smith;  brothers: Elder Michael (Teresa) Rushing, Johnny D. Rushing, Johnnie Little, and Tyler Lee, all of Albemarle; sisters: Harriet Little, Norwood and Nakia Rushing, Albemarle; a host of other relatives and friends.