On Thursday, August 6, 2009, Rudolph A. Posey, departed this life for one eternal at the Charles County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, La Plata, MD.

Born May 10, 1924, in Washington, DC, Rudolph lived a rich, fruitful life during his 85 years. He was married 67 years to his loving wife, Eva (Simmons) Posey; fathered 11 children, served in World War II, survived the great depression of 1940's, segregation, desegregation, retired after serving over 37 years in the federal government, lived through the first man-on-the-moon, the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and John F. Kennedy; proudly watched his children graduate from High School and college and grow to responsible adults, the birth of 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, the retirement of three children, and the election of the first African American president of the United States.

He graduated from Pomonkey High School in 1941 and soon after enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – a program that was born out of the Emergency Conservation Work Act signed into law by President Roosevelt in 1933. He was one of over 250,000 African American men who represented nearly 150 all-black CCC companies supporting conservation projects. The CCC program afforded him the opportunity to further support his family through the mandated monthly stipends sent back home.

On May 19, 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He began active duty on June 2, during World War II. He was assigned to Fort Lawton in Seattle, WA (an Army staging area for combat in the Pacific) – which was a major turning point in his life as he had never travelled that far from home. When he was given a 10-day pass to return home, it took 7 days total to travel round-trip via train – thus allowing him only 3 days to visit with family. Many years later, he was still able to recall details of the streets, landmarks and experiences in Seattle.

After being assigned to drive an ambulance in aiding wounded soldiers, he went on to drive larger trucks and operate heavy equipment. He was injured while on active duty, and as a result received a 10-point veteran status. While serving in active duty he received the following decorations: American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct and Victory Medals.

On December 17, 1945, he received an honorable discharge and began work at the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, formerly known as the U.S. Naval Propellant Plant in Indian Head, MD. He began work in the explosive area and was later hired in the Transportation Department where he continued to drive trucks, operate heavy equipment, and transport explosive materials throughout the country.

In October, 1972, while operating heavy equipment, he was injured on the job and spent almost a year recovering from a badly broken leg. After returning to work, he was placed on permanent light duty until he retired in January 1980 with a total of 37 years, 7 months and 17 days of service at age 55. He enjoyed his retirement life of 29 years and 7 months where he spent his time reading the Washington Post daily, playing the Maryland lottery and spending quality time with his family. He maintained his independence managing his financial affairs, driving and taking care of home until his initial stroke on July 9, 2009.

He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was a life-long member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Indian Head, Maryland. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion Post 170 in Indian Head, MD.

He is survived by his wife, Eva, daughters; Hilda Barnes, April and June Posey, Carlene Richardson, and Gale Hall; sons; Rudolph Jr., Carroll, Glenn, Sr., Rickie and Jackie Posey, daughters-in-law; Catherine, Gale, Rene' and Arthella Posey, son-in-law; Cecil Barnes, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law; Irene Gray; brother-in-law; Randolph Davis, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Caroline Bransome, stepfather, George Bransome, daughter, Victoria (Posey) Morgan; daughter-in-law, Philis (Matthews) Posey; and two granddaughters, Cherry Marie and Jerry Lee Barnes.

His viewing will take place on Wednesday, August 12th, 6:00pm until 9:00pm, prayers 8:00pm at Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Thursday, August 13th, St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, MD.

Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.