David Rush Mauney, known as “Rush,” passed away on October 8, 2026 surrounded by family.

Rush was born on June 16, 1953 in Clinton, SC to Tom and Louise Mauney. The family lived in Clinton for about ten days before moving back to Cleveland, GA. Rush was the second child and had an older sister, Beth. Once the family was settled in Cleveland, his younger brothers, Thomas and Bill, were born. The Mauney family-owned Cleveland Grocery Co., where the family all worked, fostering his love for the community and making friends. Rush’s family was also actively involved with Cleveland First Baptist Church. Rush grew up participating in church events and eventually became a deacon.

Rush graduated from White County High School in 1971 and continued on to the University of Georgia where he studied Art and Interior Design at the Lamar Dodd School of Art, graduating in 1975. While in college, he refined his artistic style and preferred to paint with oils, and his interior design training influenced him throughout the rest of his life to make his spaces more beautiful.

After graduating, Rush moved to Charleston, SC briefly to work for an interior design firm but returned to Cleveland to help manage the grocery business. During this time, he began

collecting antiques and home decor and started Rush’s Miscellany Corner inside the grocery store. He traveled to gift and home decor shows to fill his “corner” with unique finds and gifts, and it became a popular spot for people to shop as they bought groceries.

In 1978, Rush moved a historic Cleveland home across town, saving it from a fire department burn test. He restored the house using his knowledge from his interior design education. The house became a “forever project” as he had plans to expand, renovate, and decorate. His home became a gathering place for family and friends.

Rush met his beautiful bride, Sharon, in 1979. They were married at their home in March of

1981, and shared more than 45 wonderful years together. Rush and Sharon had an interest in entrepreneurship and ran numerous businesses together, including The Eatery and Lagniappe restaurants, Chattahoochee Gallery, Merchant Square stores, and a Bed and Breakfast in their home. They expanded the Bed and Breakfast into a second historic home that they also moved and restored next to their first home.

Rush had many different jobs early on in his career. In addition to his local entrepreneurial endeavors, he also worked at BellSouth in the Yellow Pages division illustrating advertisements, and commuting regularly from Cleveland to Atlanta. When Jessamine was born, he returned to Cleveland full time.

In 1995, Rush co-founded GlobalTech Industries, based in Cornelia, GA. GlobalTech has been in business for over 30 years, producing candles and candle products that are shipped all over the US. In 2001, GlobalTech created their own in house brand, Habersham Candle. Under Rush’s creative direction, Habersham Candle has been recognized on the gift show circuit for their quality products and fragrances. GlobalTech was one of Rush’s greatest achievements and he has been described as the heart of the company by those who worked with him.

Rush always had a merchant’s heart, and his last retail endeavor was Erwin Rush, named in part for his family name on his Grandmother’s side. The store opened on the square in Cleveland in 2013. He sourced “new, old, and interesting” items for his shop from estate sales, home and gift shows, and online. He outgrew his location on the square in Cleveland and expanded into a bigger store in Clarkesville in 2019. He enjoyed meeting North Georgia locals and tourists alike, and took special pride in his window displays.

Rush was also a public servant dedicated to improving Cleveland and making it a wonderful place to live. He was on the first board for the current White County Public Library, and was vocal about the new library building project happening currently. Rush served on the Cleveland City Council from 1996 until 2015. He supported projects for downtown beautification. Rush also served on the zoning board until his death.

Rush and Sharon had their one and only daughter, Jessamine, in 1991. Jessamine was the light of his life and his “little doll.” Together, Jessamine and Rush enjoyed painting, shopping, movies, and traveling. Jessamine worked with Rush at GlobalTech during Summer breaks from school and traveled with Habersham Candle to gift shows alongside her dad. Rush inspired her at a young age to be creative, express herself, and care for others.

Rush is preceded in death by his father, Tom Mauney, his mother, Louise Mauney, and his brother, Thomas Mauney.

He is survived by his wife Sharon, his daughter Jessamine, his son-in-law Scott Cantey, his brother Bill Mauney and wife Lynn, his sister Beth Dayton, and grandson-at-heart Nathan Garrett. He leaves behind cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and numerous friends. To those who knew him, Rush had a creative spirit and genuinely loved connecting with others. He was devoted to his family, friends, community, and businesses. May his memory be a blessing.

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, at Cleveland First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Gateway Memorial Park in Cleveland.

The family will receive friends at the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the White County Public Library New Building Fund: https://givebutter.com/MSoIUW

An online guest registry is available for the Mauney family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of David “Rush” Mauney.