Rev. Arval Lane Rushing's Obituary
Rev. Arval Lane Rushing, 83, of Monroe, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Mill Grove Church of Midland, officiated by Rev. Steve Brown, Rev. Jeff Rushing, and Rev. Bob Sturge. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, November 20, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust.
Born April 24, 1942, in Union County, Rev. Rushing was the son of the late Archie and Julia Clontz. He is survived by his loving wife, Willie Mae Rushing, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.
Rev. Rushing leaves behind his children, Glenda Hinson Baucom (Grover Baucom-Deceased), Cynthia Hinson Starnes (Mike), Genene Rushing Watkins (David), Dawn Rushing Smith (George), and Darren Vance Rushing, all of Monroe, NC; his grandchildren, Ashley (Tucker), Megan (Jason), Heather (Josh), Kristin (Sean), Dillon (Shelby), and Lauren; and great-grandchildren, Paityn, Lincoln, Tessa, Hudson, Addilyn, Ollie, Cora, Teagan, and Maddox. He is also survived by his sisters, Sonia Haigler and Tonia Merritt (Mike).
He was preceded in death by his brother, JB Clontz.
Arval spent twenty-three years at Charlotte Pipe and Foundry as a machinist before being called into the ministry in 1980. He was a devoted servant of the Lord; Rev. Rushing served as Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Monroe for nine years. He was later called to Pastor at Mill Grove United Methodist Church in Midland and Pine Bluff United Methodist Church in Stanfield for a total of twenty years. After retirement, he spent his days enjoying gardening with his beloved wife Mrs. Willie, and hunting and fishing with his family and friends. After many years of retirement, he went back to his home church Union Grove United Methodist Church as an interim Pastor for three years. He then returned to Mill Grove Church of Midland as a visitation Pastor for an additional nine years until he was called into his heavenly home. His ministry touched countless lives, and his steady faith and humble spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Rev. Rushing was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished time with his family. He also enjoyed treasured trips to the mountains and never turned down a good hamburger steak. His warmth, humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to: Mill Grove Church of Midland Building Fund or the Senior Bus Fund.
Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Locust is serving the Rushing family.
What’s your fondest memory of Rev. Arval?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rev. Arval?
Share a story where Rev. Arval's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rev. Arval you’ll never forget.
How did Rev. Arval make you smile?
