Corbitt Brooks Rushing, Jr.

After two years at Oklahoma Baptist University and undecided on a major course of studies and, wanting to see the world, Corbitt Brooks Rushing, Jr. joined the US Navy and served on the USS T.E. Chandler (DD-717) from 1964 to 1967.  On his first of two WestPac cruises, the ship was ordered to leave the liberty port of Yokosuka Japan and head to the Gulf of Tonkin where two American warships had been allegedly fired upon by hostile forces.  After several months of patrolling, the Chandler returned to the US for an overhaul but was quickly ordered back to the South China Sea because of escalating conditions.  Between patrolling and firing defoliants at Viet Nam, the ship enjoyed liberty time in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Okinawa, Thailand, and several Japanese ports.

After his discharge, Corbitt relocated to Rocky Mount and attended North Carolina Wesleyan University (Class of 1969). His father taught Political Science at Wesleyan and as a faculty member’s child, Corbitt was eligible for (and forever grateful for) free tuition. After graduation, Corbitt married the beautiful Peggy Holland, who has remained his life partner for fifty-two years.

Armed with a liberal arts degree (History and English), he defaulted to the business world and joined Belk Stores Services and became director of store planning. After 25 years, Corbitt took an early retirement and resurrected his wanderlust, touring North, South, and Central America, Europe, and Australia.

Corbitt and Peggy now reside in Charlotte, Beaufort, and Banner Elk, while not imposing on friends in Mexico.