Eric J. Rush, son of the late H. Jerome Rush and the late Cora Thames Rush, was born in Detroit, Michigan.  He is the youngest of five children.  After the untimely death of his mother in 1970, the family (Eric, age 2) returned to Mississippi, the native state of both parents.  After graduating from the Clay County public school system (West Point High School, West Point, MS), he enlisted in the United States Air Force.  Before his honorable discharge, Eric served six years, receiving several distinguished awards, honors and medals.

Eric attended the Community College of the Air Force, Central Carolina Technical College and St. Leo University where he studied Criminal Justice and Business Management.

Eric is involved in community and civic affairs. He served on the Board of Directors of The United Way of Sumter, Lee and Clarendon Counties and the Boys and Girls Club of Sumter. He is also a licensed Realtor in the state of South Carolina.

Eric has extensive experience in business growth strategies, administration and training & development for both private and public sector organizations.  His primary areas of expertise are strategic planning and church management.

Eric has served Bible Way Church of Sumter since 1991 in various capacities including, Executive Administrator, Minister of Music, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Minister and Assistant Pastor.

Eric is married to the former Reyna Belton of Sumter, South Carolina; they have three children, Portia McBride, Jada Dozier (Jason) and Deric Rush, and two grandsons, Mason McBride, Jason Dozier Jr.