Robert Rust

Robert Hugh "Bob" Rust NORTHPORT Robert Hugh "Bob" Rust, age 79, of Northport, died Oct. 14, 2012, at Hospice of West Alabama with his family by his side. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012, at Christ Harbor United Methodist Church in Northport with Dr. John Kearns officiating. Burial will follow in Williamson Cemetery in Northport with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North directing. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Myra W. Rust; his son, Steven Rust (Summer) of Northport; his daughters, Kim Lopez (Alan) of Dothan and Scarlet Robison (John) of Coker; grandchildren, Caitlin Lopez and Taylor Lopez of Tuscaloosa, Connor Lopez of Dothan, and Brennan Averett, Logan Averett, and John Miller Robison of Coker; and a number of nieces and nephews. Bob was born on November 9, 1932. He grew up in Anniston and attended Anniston High School and Jacksonville State University. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Bob joined Southland National Insurance in 1977 and within six months was named vice-president of underwriting and claims. He became president of the company some years later and retired as Managing Director of Southland Benefits. Bob spent a lifetime making Northport and Tuscaloosa a better place to live and work. He was elected to the Northport City Council in 2000 and served as council president his entire four-year term. As representative for District 5, Bob is remembered for his work in improving recreation and parklands within the city and worked with PARA to develop parks within Northport. He also had a long history of involvement with the Northport and Tuscaloosa Chambers of Commerce. He has the distinction of being the second member to have served as chairman of both organizations. He was also involved in numerous educational organizations including serving on the PTA boards of Tuscaloosa County High and Crestmont Elementary, Shelton State Community College Advisory Board, and the Tuscaloosa County Advisory Board Vision Team. He actively served on numerous boards including the Phoenix House, Salvation Army, The United Way, Easter Seals, West Alabama Health Council, Industrial Developmental Authority, and A Woman's Place, and was Vice-Chairman of the Solid Waste Authority. He was selected as Northport Citizen of the Year in 1993 and as a Pillar of West Alabama in 2006. Bob was a devoted husband to his soulmate, loved his children, and adored his grandchildren. He always stressed the importance of honoring your family and serving your community. He was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church. Pallbearers will be Norman Turnipseed, Gene Smith, LeGrand Hutchison, Charles Swann, Billy Booth, and Jim Standridge. Honorary pallbearers are neighbors of Shirley Farms, friends of St. Mark United Methodist Church and Christ Harbor United Methodist Church, employees of Southland Benefit Solutions, employees of RSA, DCH Cancer Treatment Center, Hospice of West Alabama staff, Kat Carthage, Gloria Ball, and Alice Kennedy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Hospice of West Alabama, Christ Harbor United Methodist Church, or St. Mark United Methodist Church.