Cartersville, Ga. (July 18, 2025) — At Piedmont Cartersville, the commitment to patient care extends far beyond the hospital walls. Through the Allatoona Chapter of the Georgia Nurse Honor Guard, Piedmont nurses volunteer their time to honor the lives and legacies of their fellow nurses.
In a recent moving and heartfelt ceremony, the Allatoona Nurse Honor Guard held a Living Tribute for Mr. William “Bill” Rumsey — a 93-year-old retired nurse and decorated veteran currently receiving hospice care. The event recognized and celebrated his decades of dedicated service to both his country and the nursing profession.
Bill Rumsey’s journey began with military service during the Korean War, where he served in the U.S. Air Force. After completing his military duties, he pursued a new mission—caring for others. He graduated from nursing school in 1970 and went on to serve patients for 38 years, retiring at the age of 72.
The ceremony, attended by family, friends, and fellow nurses, celebrated not only Bill’s professional achievements but also his enduring compassion and dedication. His wife, Phyllis Rumsey, also a nurse, stood proudly by his side during the tribute.
The Allatoona Nurse Honor Guard, known for honoring nurses with thoughtful ceremonies, presented Bill with a symbolic Nightingale lamp and recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, a tradition reserved for those who have made a lasting impact in the field of nursing.
“Bill’s life is a testament to service, both in uniform and at the bedside,” said Heather Clement, Chapter Chair of the Allatoona Nurse Honor Guard and Emergency Services Director at Piedmont Cartersville. “It’s a privilege to honor him while he’s still with us.”
The ceremony served as a reminder of the quiet heroism found in the nursing profession and the deep respect owed to those who dedicate their lives to healing others.
For more information about the Georgia Nurse Honor Guard and the Allatoona Chapter, please visit www.georgianursehonorguard.com or follow on Facebook at GA Nurse Honor Guard Allatoona Chapter.