Mr. Rudy McPherson, Sr.

Mr. Rudy McPherson Sr. departed this life, Monday, October 20, 2008 at his home, after a brief illness. He was born March 28, 1951 in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of John Henry and Joyce (Jackson) McPherson. Rudy graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1969. After graduating, Rudy went on to attend Grand Valley State University and KVCC in Kalamazoo, MI, where he graduated with an Associate's Degree. Rudy began his career as a Teacher working with at-risk youth. He accepted Christ at an early age, and was a member of Faith Temple Church of God. In 1989, he began working at Precision Heat and Treat Company, where he was a faithful and dedicated employee for 18 years. Rudy was a hard working, dedicated man, who would do anything to provide for his family, including starting his own business as a Tax Accountant. Rudy enjoyed playing and watching sports, watching western movies and criminal investigation documentaries. Rudy was always known to be a strong, cool, laid-back, sharp dressing man. He united in marriage on July 11, 1987 to Patricia Ann Shaw. To this union, they brought a child each, Timothy Lamont McPherson and Shamesha Renae Shaw, and they became a blended family. Rudy Jr. and Octavia Geneva were born to this union. He has 2 other children, Lauren and Shamire ("Speedy"). Rudy was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Charlie P. Shaw Sr.; 2 brother-in-laws, James Word and Jesse Carver; 1 nephew, Derrick McPherson and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 21 years, Patricia; children, Lamont; Shamesha (Jeffrey) Brown; Rudy Jr. and Octavia Geneva; 1 grandson, Daquan Coleman; 1 loving mother-in-law, Juanita Taylor; 7 brothers and sisters, John McPherson, Helen Word, Barbara (James) Phillips, Diane (McPherson) Carver, Terry (J.L) Buchanan, Randall (Mandarin) McPherson and Jonni Drake; aunts and uncles, Fay and Lula Jackson; James and Ivory Mayweather; Aretha Stuart; Earsie Jones; Bernice Decker; Dasie Carter; Ben Witherspoon; Elder Oren and Girtha McMillian; Frankie and Mary Taylor; Robert and Dorothy Davis; Troy and Beatrice Robinson; and Burnish and Nita Shaw; I brother-in-law, Charles P. Shaw, Jr.; goddaughter, and son, Tammy Lockett and Kyle Davis; an a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also, special friend Renaford Owens, John Satterfield and many, many more.

Mr. Rudy McPherson, Sr.

March 28, 1951 - October 20, 2008