Rush E. Choate

Rush E. Choate of Gainesville, Florida, ended his earthly journey and joined his beloved wife, Barbara, on July 23, With Barbara, his cherished wife of 66 years, he visited 49 states in the USA, and made his TV debut at age 100 on NBC’s The Today Show as part of their daily Centenarian Tribute. During WWII he was stationed at multiple US Army Air Force bases. He continued his service to his country as a reservist in the US Air Force and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Rush is a recognized Professor Emeritus, Agricultural Engineering, at the University of Florida, where he taught and mentored hundreds of students over the course of 39 years. He became the first Professional Licensed Agricultural Engineer in Florida. Rush’s career included participation in professional organizations: National Society of Professional Engineers, Florida Engineering Society, and American Society of Agricultural Engineering. Honors included election to Fellow ASAE, Outstanding Teacher, and Outstanding Service - College of Engineering. He contributed to civic activities through Kiwanis Club and United Way. He enjoyed a longtime membership in “Doers of the Word” class at First Baptist Church of Gainesville. Rush wrote his memoir, “A Beautiful Journey,” reflecting changes experienced from his humble beginnings on a small farm in Woodlawn, VA, to degrees from VPI and UF, and spectacular advances in technology. He held a strong belief that we each are a part of all people and events which have preceded us. He was influenced by his father, Floyd Edgar and mother, Bertha Rector. Rush led a full and rewarding life. Regarding his longevity of 101 years he said, “Doubt was dispelled through an attitude of personal confidence and reliance upon work, determination, perseverance, trust, and faith in God. The joy, the beauty, and the wonders of life continued as a dominant positive force in my life. I have been blessed by my Creator.” His great wisdom, love, and perspective served as a guiding light for his immediate and extended family. Rush passed on a woodworking hobby to family and the commitment to a high level of professional ethics to family and others. Rush was predeceased by his dearly loved wife, Barbara; his parents; his brothers and sisters Lou Fields, Ray Choate, Hazel Hobbs, R. I. Choate, Helen Dickey; and his daughter-in-law Debra Choate. He is survived by his brother Paige Choate; his children Ann Flanagan (Robert), Jay Choate, and Allan Choate; grandchildren Deborah Flanagan (Jason Schwartz), Robin Wielins (Dane), Ryan Choate (Kimberly), and Sarah Smith (Matthew); great grandchildren Benjamin, Nathan, Anora, Kathryn, and Gabriel Choate; and Tyner, Easton, and Audrey Smith. He was honored that his nieces and nephews stayed in touch. The family is grateful for the attentive care of Dr. Rich and the in-home caregivers. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020, 10:00 AM at the Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Westarea, 823 NW 143rd St., Newberry, FL 32669. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, with military honors, Friday, July 31 at 2pm. Those who wish to honor Rush’s memory may make a memorial donation to the University of Florida’s Rush Choate Endowed Scholarship, https://www.uff.ufl.edu/give-now/?fund_id=002449 or UF Foundation Inc., PO Box 14425. Gainesville, FL 32604-9949. Please join us online for the celebration of life on our facebook live page: Thursday, July 30th, 2020. Event will start just prior to the service at 10 A.M. https://www.facebook.com/events/812034252665643/ or for those who do not have a facebook login, please click on: https://www.facebook.com/112749393781461/videos/237035640628483/

Rush E. Choate

December 18, 1918 - July 23, 2020