Rufus Allen Livingston, of Seven Lakes, went home to be with his Lord Friday, March 1, 2013, after a brief illness. He passed away at Moore Regional Hospital, surrounded by loving family.
Rufus was born to Hugh and Clara Livingston in McFarland, on March 29, 1924.
Rufus is survived by Shirley Gipe Livingston, his beloved wife of 68 years, and they have lived in Seven Lakes South since 1993.
They have one daughter, Sandy Myers, who lives on the island of Okinawa, Japan, and two grandchildren, Denise Thomas of Marshall, Texas, and Rufus Allen Stover, of Baltimore, Md. He is also survived four great-grandchildren, Candice Powell, and her husband Brandon, and Brian Stover, all of Marshall, Texas; Catherine Stover and Jacqueline Stover both of Baltimore, Md. He is also survived by two brothers and one sister, John R. Livingston, of Wadesboro, Henry Livingston of Marvin, and Clara Ann Gathings, of Wadesboro, as well as three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rufe, as he was fondly called by his many friends, was an active member and regular attendee of The Village Chapel, in Pinehurst, up until the time of his passing.
Rufe attended North Carolina State University
Rufus had 23 years of dedicated service to the armed forces, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. During his 23 years of service, he received numerous ribbons and awards including the Air Medal Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Ribbon, USAF outstanding Unit Award, Honorary Medal from the People of Saipan, American Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon with two bronze stars, World War II Victory Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon, USAF Longevity Service Ribbons with 4 oak leaf clusters, and the USAF Command Pilot Wings. Rufus was a veteran of World War II, where he was a B-29 pilot and a B-47 pilot for the Strategic Air Command until his retirement in 1964.
Rufus sold insurance to Service Member in Germany and Tucson, Ariz., for 23 years until his retirement.
Social and fraternal clubs and honors: Active member of Lions International for more than 50 years, during that time he held many offices. He was also a recipient of the John L. Stickley Award as well as the Melvin Jones Award. Rufus is an honorary lifetime member of the first Lions Club of Spain because of all of his hard work in helping break down the laws of fraternal originations in Spain. Rufe was also elected to be the 73rd Bomb Wing chaplain after the original chaplain passed away.
Rufe was an avid golfer and played often with friends until not long before his final illness. Most will remember Rufe for his faithful Christian witness, his cheery greeting and affectionate hugs.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, at The Village Chapel.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, you may donate to Lions Foundation, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523 or your favorite charity.
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home will be assisting the family.