William Rush Valentine, Jr., 72, died peacefully on Thursday July 18, 2013 at OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville, MS.

Mr. Valentine was born on November 10, 1940 in Starkville, Mississippi to the late Martha Smith Valentine and William Rush Valentine, Sr. He married the former Debi Warren of Palmerdale, Alabama on April 28, 1984. Mr. Valentine is survived by his wife, Debi Valentine; son, Rush Valentine, III and daughter, Mary Malinda Valentine. Other survivors include a brother, Lake (Marge) Valentine of Houston, Texas; a sister, Viva Valentine of Atlanta, Georgia; two nieces, two nephews and many cousins. He leaves behind a very special mother-in-law, Mary Warren, who was always there for Rush.

Rush was a lifelong resident of Starkville, Mississippi. He graduated from Starkville High School and Mississippi State University where he earned a B.A. degree and Master's degree in Counselor Education. Before his retirement from the U.S. Postal Service, he enjoyed his many years working at the MSU Post Office where he loved serving the MSU students, faculty and staff. Rush loved people, sharing stories and especially loved his hometown of Starkville.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 20 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Welch Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Welch Funeral Home on Sunday, July 21st, at 2:00 pm. The Reverend Dr. Giles Lindley and the Reverend Bob Whiteside will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Oktibbeha County Humane Society.