In Honor of Rodney “Rolo” Bush
Published 7:00 am Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Rodney “Rolo” Bush is said by friends to have been a big family man who deeply cared for those he loved. Pictured are (front) Peggy and Gene Bush (middle) Pamela Bush Stephenson and Tammy Smith (back) Rodney Bush.
Friends and family of Rodney “Rolo” Bush gather at his No. 7 parking spot to honor his love and support of the Greenville Tigers Friday night. (Photo taken by Bryan Campbell)
The Greenville Tiger game leaders honored “Big Rolo” by presenting his football jersey, No. 74, center field at the beginning of the Sept. 29 game. (Photo taken by Bryan Campbell)
Rodney “Rolo” Bush passed away Sept. 26 in a car crash, leaving behind girlfriend Janet Croley (pictured).
Coach Garrick Pimienta gives Rodney “Rolo” Bush’s football jersey to his family after presenting it center field at the start of the Sept. 29 game. (Photo taken by Bryan Campbell)
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Greenville High School (GHS) and the community mourns the loss of Rodney “Rolo” Bush, who has become known as the Tiger’s biggest fan and supporter.
Bush, 63, passed away on Sept. 26 after a tragic car crash. He had worked over 20 years as a rural route mail carrier in Minter.
It is said he will be remembered for his laugh and his generosity, but mostly for his fervent passion for Greenville High School football.
Nancy Idland, a friend of Bush, said he was an extraordinary supporter of the Tigers, and was president of the GHS Booster Club for years. She described Bush as a gentle giant, a big guy with an even bigger heart.
“I doubt there’s ever been anyone in this town that supported the football program more than Rodney,” Idland said. “He literally drove his own vehicle too and from away games with equipment for the football team. He was at every game home or away. It didn’t matter who was playing, who the coach was, or whether they were winning or losing. He never ever backed down on his support of Greenville High School.”
Jeff Fuller, the Tigers’ offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, said he has known Bush for years and as long as he is a coach at GHS, Bush will be remembered.
“Rolo was the true embodiment of Tiger Pride,” Fuller said. “There has always been one constant with Greenville football, Rodney Bush was going to be in that No. 7 spot down in the end zone on Friday nights. I will miss my dear friend, but I am sure that every Friday he will now have the best seat in the house. I will coach with his spirit close to my heart for the rest of my life.”
Stacey Edwards, former GHS art teacher and friend of Bush, said he was a rare breed who worked his entire life to make GHS football better however he could.
“Every football season I have been involved in had Big Rolo at the fence cheering the kids on,” Edwards said. “What an impact! I full-heartedly wish the new stadium could be named or dedicated to him. ‘Rolo Field” has a great ring to it!”
Head coach Garrick Pimienta said Rolo was his first friend in Greenville.
“He showed me how special of a place this is, and he is a big reason why I accepted this job,” Pimienta said. “He was so genuine and kind. He would call me every morning and ask me about practice, and keep me in line. I’m going to miss him every day.”
Herbert Brown, a friend and fellow member of Southside Baptist Church, said he will forever be the example of how to support a program with all of your heart.
On Sept. 29, the Tigers played their final varsity football game at historic Tiger Stadium. Team leaders carried a jersey with Bush’s high school football number on it out to the center of the field, paying tribute to the adored fan and supporter.
Pimienta presented the honored jersey to Bush’s family who were seated in the No. 7 parking spot behind the end zone, the spot that will forever hold the spirit of the one and only “Big Rolo”.
Donations can be made in Bush’s memory to Liberty Independent Methodist Church, located at 3590 Pineapple Highway in Greenville. For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.
