MICHAEL S. RUSHIN, SR.,

72, passed away on Pearl Harbor Day with his Green-Eyed Lady and wife of 50 years by his side. He was born in Little Rock, Ark., to parents, Stan and Norma Jean Rushin. He is survived by his siblings, Deborah, Scott, and another sister, wife, Lera Diane, son, Mike Jr. (Mandy), daughter, Amy (Cory), grandchildren, Abby and Zach, and his beloved dogs, Dr. Love and Angel Baby. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Renea Rushin.

Prior to proudly serving in the U.S. Navy, Mike helped his parents in the family business, Rushin Upholstery Supply (est. 1962). Upon discharge, this “Blue-Eyed Sailor” returned to marry his sweetheart and have two feral children, who he eventually replaced with a string of rescue animals (just kidding about the feral part, Dad)! For 13 years, he traveled the region tirelessly and helped his parents corner the market. If you needed upholstery for furniture, planes, boats, or vehicles, then you bought it from the Rushin family.

In 1992, Mike got up in the middle of the night, woke up his family, and declared he was starting a real estate business, The Mike Rushin Company. He was client-driven and honest with an uncanny ability to find their perfect home. With the help of his friend, Doris Tennant, and, later, his son, Michael, it became the new family business.

Mike’s larger than life personality was matched only by his huge heart. He was a living Santa, whether in the red suit for holiday parties for children at Shriners Hospitals or for family in assisted living, receiving joy for payment. Santa Mike would also appear in plain clothes, quietly picking up the tab for a family’s meal or sending desserts to surprised children across the room. He also loved surprising family near and far with presents on their doorsteps. Sometimes, he would even drive his Lincoln across a cow pasture to bring a cold drink on a hot day to a family member hard at work on their farm. Mike loved his country, his family, his pets, and serving others. We know he is having a blast on his new adventure, where there are “no rules” and “no vegetables”!

Memorial service details will be announced via social media. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Shreveport.