Rev. Rush Timothy Rivens

On February 11, 2024, Reverend Rush Timothy Rivens exchanged time for eternity at Atrium Health-Northeast in Concord, NC.  Rush was born in Mecklenburg County to the late Willie Pryor and Mattie Rivens Pryor Eaves.  He was preceded in death by his son Rush Timothy Rivens, Jr., his step-father James Richard Eaves, one sister Clara Mae Pryor, and two brothers James Willie Pryor and Dale Edward Pryor.  

Rush was a lifelong active member of Hunters Chapel United Methodist Church where he served in various capacities.  Throughout his lifetime, he was a member of the Usher Board, United Methodist Men, Gospel Choir, Men’s Choir, Trustees, SPPRC, and the Administrative Council. He also served as the Lay Member to Annual Conference and the church Lay Leader for many years before answering his call into ministry.  He became a licensed minister in the United Methodist Church in June, 2002 and served as pastor of the former St. Home and Beaver Creek United Methodist Churches. Upon retirement, Reverend Dr. Emmanuel K. Boakye-Yiadom saw Rush’s continued passion for ministry and appointed him the Pastoral Care Minister at Hunters Chapel, which he served as through his final years.  

Rush graduated from Logan High School in 1962.  He was employed at Reeve’s Brothers before enlisting to serve his country in the United States Army.  While stationed in New Jersey, he met and married his loving wife of 56 years, Linda Gross Rivens. 

Rush loved God, his family, music, the beach, and the world-class Dallas Cowboys.  

Throughout his life, he has been active in the community and sports.  He coached basketball for Odell Recreation. He also played with and coached the Bounty Hunters softball team as well as coached the Bountyettes.

Rush leaves a treasure of fond memories with his wife Linda Gross Rivens, daughters Tamara Rivens Moody (Romelle) of Kannapolis, NC, and Felicia Springs (George) of Charlotte, NC, and his devoted Godson James W. Pryor, Jr of Huntersville, NC. Seven grandchildren:  Bernard Phroneberger, Deterius Moody, Jane’ Pore, Jeremiah Phroneberger, Erryn Moody, Jahmya Moody, Timothy “TK” Moody. Two Great-Grandchildren:  Payton and Lilliana Moody; One brother:  Chancie Pryor of Concord, NC Two Sisters:  Anna Louise Gates (GW) of  Davidson, NC and Marilyn Pryor Stark of Davidson, NC; Two sisters-in-law: Erna Allen and Mary Pryor; Two sisters-at-heart: Norma Jean Pryor and Mynnie Pryor. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

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