William "Rush" Cumming IV's Obituary
William Rushmore Cumming “Rush”
Rush Cumming passed away on Friday, February 12, 2016 at the age of 60. He is survived by his devoted parents William R. Cumming III and Toni D. Cumming, his dearest sister Kathe C. Watson Shinn (Rory), loving father of Anna Cumming Boyter (Brian) and Ryan Andrew Cumming, proud grandfather of Aubrey Cumming, Braxton Michael Spradley, and Berlin Elizabeth Boyter, and uncle of William W. Watson III (Tara).
Rush was educated at De La Salle High School and Louisiana State University.
He was an accomplished guitarist, song writer, a gourmet cook, and an artisan with wood.
Early in his life Rush chose the Northshore in Covington, LA, as his home. He realized early that one of his gifts was working with wood. He formed Cumming Construction Company and began building clients’ homes in the area of fast growing Mandeville, LA. During the early 1980’s, Rush met a friend interested in home brewing beer. They began to work together with the town of Abita Springs’ encouragement. In 1983, Abita Brewing Company was born.
After the brewery was established, Rush traveled to cities where restaurant owners were requesting assistance in brewing their own beer as part of the dining. He would duplicate on a small scale the method used at Abita Brewery. The idea was successful and is now frequently used in restaurants.
Rush did various things throughout his life. He returned to New Orleans and joined the Bill Watson car dealership business.
As years passed, he continued to return to his dedication of working with fine woods. He became connected with a large privately owned wood designing company in Hattiesburg, MS. While there, he was offered a position that would bring him back to the Northshore that he loved. Connecting with old friends, he was asked to join the staff of Acadian Millworks as a designer of architectural woodwork. Rush welcomed the opportunity and considered it a dream position.
Rush will be deeply missed by his family and many close friends throughout the country. As Rush requested, all services will be private. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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