Craig Rushing

Millard Craig Rushing, 81, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Killeen, Texas. He was born on November 8, 1944, in Brady, Texas to Millard Franklin and Emma Dean (Horne) Rushing.

The family will be greeting friends and relatives at his visitation at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel, 201 E. 3rd St, Lampasas, Texas, 4 pm to 6 pm, Monday, February 16, 2026. Graveside services will follow at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 2 pm, Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Craig grew up in Irving, Texas and graduated from Irving High School in 1963. He was a guard on the 1962 Tiger varsity football team that won the District Championship. After high school, he attended Cooke County Junior College prior to being drafted into the Army in 1967. Trained as a combat pilot, he deployed to Vietnam in 1968 as a CW1 and was assigned to the 195th Assault Helicopter Co. He was assigned as an instructor pilot at Fort Wolters, Texas in 1969 and separated from duty in 1970 as a CW2.

In September of 1970, CW2 Rushing joined the Texas Army National Guard and served as a Warrant Officer Aviator for 12 years. While serving in the National Guard, he earned a Bachelor's degree and later a Master's in Public School Administration from the University of North Texas. He then taught History and coached at Lamar Middle School in Irving from 1971 to 1982. Following that he began working full time in the Texas Army National Guard. In 1982, CW3 Rushing received his commission as a CPT and was assigned as Flight Platoon Leader for the 136th Transportation Co. in Grand Prairie, Texas. While serving, his duties included instructor Pilot, Rotary Wing Aviator, Fire Team Leader, Armed Platoon Section Leader, Aviation Safety Officer, Flight Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Airfield Commander, and Commander for The Republic of Singapore Air Force Training Detachment until retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2004.

His military awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (1 OLC), Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with "V" device (28 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), National Defense Service Medal (1 BSS), Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, (4 Campaigns), Vietnam Service Medal, Army Reserves Component Achievement Medal (6th Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd Award), Texas Medal of Merit, Texas Faithful Service Medal (5th Award), and the Adjutant Generals Individual Award and the Master Army Aviator Badge.

Craig married his high school sweetheart Jimmie Nell Taylor in 1966 in Irving, Texas. They were happily married for 59 years. He enjoyed camping with his brother, hunting with his friends, his dogs, reading history and listening to American Blues, Rock and traditional Country. After retirement to Lampasas, he was active in AMVETS and as a substitute teacher for Lampasas ISD. He volunteered at nursing homes and with Veterans' Hospitals.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Kathy Rushing and brother, Larry Rushing. He is survived by his loving family: wife Jimmie, son Anthony Craig Rushing of Magnolia, Texas and daughter Laura Dean Rushing and her husband Rene Ogando of Manor, Texas as well as grandchildren, Paloma Ogando and Mason and Harper Rushing, sister-in-law, Christine Rushing in addition to cherished cousins and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to K9s for Warriors at https://k9sforwarriors.org/ 

By now I am used to suffering.

I have endured so much in Waves

and War.

Let this next adventure follow.

-Odysseus

Homer’s The Odyssey