Page 19 - Robeson Living Summer 2019

W. Santini.

Randy is survived by his loving wife, Mary Anne, of the
home; four children: daughter, Kathy Rust Trotter and hus-
band Paul of Charlotte, NC; son Kevin Randolph Rust and
wife Lynn of Greenwood, SC; son Kenneth Palmer Rust
and wife Lisa of Lumberton, NC; son Keith Frank Rust, of
Mullins, SC; a daughter-in-law, Susan Parker Phelps and
husband Greg of Lumberton, NC; and nine grandchildren:
James Robert Rust and wife Sarah of Arlington, Virginia;
Jordan Lee Rust and wife Casey of Chamblee, Georgia;
Abby Gayle Rust of Fayetteville, NC; Laura Ann Rust of
Greenwood, SC; Mark Randolph Trotter of Charlotte, NC;
Carrie Elizabeth Rust of Greenwood, SC; David Hughes
Trotter of Charlotte, NC; Emily Anne Rust of Lumberton,
Papaw and “Emi-Anne” NC; and Keith Frank Rust, Jr. of Mullins, SC.

derserved, and was generous and philanthropic with his All of this obituary is a tribute to the man Randy Rust was,
time and talents. He was particularly devoted to improving however to me...........he was Papaw. I consider that the
healthcare needs in the region. He served as a Trustee of most important title of all. Papaw taught me things. We may
Southeastern Regional Medical Center (later Southeast- have been delivering Meals on Wheels, but he was teaching
ern Health) from 1986 until 2012 and served as Chairper- me to be loving and kind to people that were unable to do
son when the patient Bed Tower was dedicated in 2003. Of for themselves.
all his community endeavors, he was most proud of being
part of leadership that petitioned the State for five years While working on his stained-glass art he taught me about
to approve the establishment of the Southeastern Health/ the beauty of life around us and brought it to life in his art-
Duke Heart Center in Lumberton. He served on the Board work and by the touch of his hands. We spent many hours in
of Trustees for the North Carolina Hospital Association his workshop working on projects. Papaw was hardly ever
and was presented the N.C. Hospital Trustee of the Year not working on a project.
award by that organization in 2002. So many times, he would get a stern voice and say......”Now
Emi-Anne,” but it only lasted for a moment as he corrected
Randy served with many organizations over the years, me for something that I maybe should not have done.
such as: Robeson County Church and Community Cen-
ter, Meals on Wheels, N.C. Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief, Papaw was always there for special moments in mine and
Samaritan’s Purse, Lumberton Board of Adjustments, and Abby’s lives along with all of the other grandchildren.
First Union National Bank Advisory Board. He was also
an active member of First Baptist Church, Lumberton, I think that if more children and teens had a Papaw in their
and over the years was a Deacon and chaired many com- lives that the world would be able to love one another a little
mittees. He was an enthusiastic team member of mission easier because that is what Papaw taught me. He taught me
trips to Guatemala, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, love and respect and to care for those around us that were
and in North Carolina, and could saw a tree limb or roof less fortunate.
a house as well as men half his age. In recent years, as
physical limitations kept him from participating in mis- You may have gotten your very first job from “Mr. Rust”
sion trips, he continued to find ways to engage in service at McDonalds. You may have worked on a roof to keep a
to others, delivering Meals on Wheels and transporting person’s home dry with Randy. He may have been an ac-
Robeson County oncology patients several days a week to quaintance at church or served on a Board with you. But
treatment. He also taught himself the art of stained glass the Randy Rust that was loved the most, and most honored
and donated many beautiful art pieces to non-profits and
fundraisers.
James Randolph Rust
Despite his vast community involvement, Randy’s most August 9,1932 -
cherished role in life was that of husband, father, “Pa- June 8,2019
paw”, and friend. His children and grandchildren are
grateful for the many spiritual and practical lessons he
taught them, and treasured time spent with him, especially
at the beach, fishing, golfing, and working on projects.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents; a sister,
Katherine Rust Santini; and a a brother-in-law, Francis