of Rushing, AR
February 22, 1934 - November 21, 2020
Phillip Rodney Rushing was born February 22, 1934, at Rushing, Arkansas, the second of three sons born to Clay and Ina (Hinesley) Rushing. He departed this life November 21, 2020 at the age of 86 at his home in Rushing. Rodney attended his early years of school at Rushing and Fox one-room schools before completing his high school education at Rural Special School where he was a graduate of the Class of 1951. The Rushing boys, Carmon, Rodney, and Anthel, were raised by dedicated Christian parents who taught them how to serve God, farm, garden, work, fish, hunt, read, write, value education, read music, and be of service in their community.
Rodney attended Arkansas State Teachers College (now University of Central Arkansas) where he roomed with his older brother, Carmon, the first semester. Soon he had a job working at the maintenance department on campus, along with his cousin, Wendell Hinesley, which would pay their way through college. Rodney received a Bachelor's degree in history and would return later for a Master's degree in Education and an Administration certification.
Rodney's first job out of college was as basketball coach and history teacher at Rural Special School. His best recruit was a scorekeeper, Angalee Berry, who had recently graduated. On August 31, 1956, Angalee and Rodney married in Conway, Arkansas on the college campus. Rodney had been drafted to serve in the US Army and soon departed to Fort Hood, Texas for basic training. He was stationed in Germany as part of the US forces during the Cold War.
The young couple corresponded by letters over that time. By the time Rodney returned from his tour of duty, he finally got to meet his first child, Phillip, who was eleven months old. Rodney would start a new job as principal at Rural Special School, arriving home one week before school began. Mr. Rushing, as he was known, would spend a 37-year career at the school as teacher, principal, and superintendent. He unassumingly did what needed to be done from unfreezing pipes, fixing plumbing, or working at the spring which provided water to the school, to disciplining students, mentoring teachers, teaching civics, and working with the community to pass millage increases to keep the school district financially viable.
The couple would eventually have two sons, Phillip and Terry and two daughters, Renee and Rachelle to make their family complete. He was loved, admired, and respected by his children who treasure his legacy. Rodney was a life-time member of Antioch General Baptist Church at Rushing where he served as a deacon for over fifty years. Rodney accepted Christ at an early age. He was a Gideon and for many years a board member of Stone County Medical Center. He was a charter member of Fox Volunteer Fire Department. Rodney and Angalee were charter members of the Stone County Historical Society and contributed to many of the publications of the organization in its early years. They also helped compile two history books about the community of Fox. The two shared a love for genealogy and preserving history as well as careers as educators.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple stayed close to home, enjoying drives and walks around the farm. Rodney was pleased to have purchased over the course of his adult lifetime all the land that his great-grandfather and grandfather Rushing had homesteaded beginning in 1872. He enjoyed giving farm tours to anyone who was interested in the history of the place.
Rodney relished his role as Papa to 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren who will remember his storytelling and farm adventures, and his role model of love, generosity, kindness, and good humor. He was an exemplary father to his children who witnessed how he was a loving and dedicated husband for 64 years to their mother. Rodney fondly remembered and appreciated the many teachers, staff, principals, board members, and students from Rural Special School.
Phillip Rodney Rushing was preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Ina Rushing, his older brother, Carmon Rushing, a daughter-in-law, Norma Carlton Rushing, brothers-in-law Donald Dodd, Horace Morrison, and Paul Miller.
Survivors are his wife, Angalee Berry Rushing, younger brother, Charles Anthel (Carol) Rushing of Bryant, his four children Phillip (Kathy) Rushing, Terry (Ladonna) Rushing, Renee (Philip) Carr, and Rachelle (Terry) Stewart, all of Rushing. Grandchildren and great grandchildren Nicholas (Amara) Rushing and son Elisha; Kayla Newman and children Lexie, Logan, and Natalie; Nicki (Dusty) Osburn and children Aden and Preslie; Kayla (Bret) Knapp and children Mason and Tristan; Kristin (Matt) Marsolf and children Makena, Gage, Blake, and Kinley; Trent (Rachel) Rushing and children Jocelyn and Allison; Layton Reeves; Autumn (Dwight) Gillihan and children Alaina and Rhett; Weston Reeves; Derek (Brittani) Carr and daughter Angalee; Hunter (Emily) Carr and son Ellison; Weston Carr; Dustin (Aubrey Ann) Stewart and children Rush and Davis; Dylan (Haley) Stewart and children Cooper, Crawford, and Clay. Brothers and sisters-in law, Doris Rushing, Carol Rushing, Gearldee Dodd, Shirley and Coy Sutterfield, Dayle and Bill Bonds, Gayle Morrison, Janice Miller, Deloris and James Brewer, Faye and Frank Rushing, Jay and Judy Berry, Randy and Holly Berry, Marty and Janice Berry.
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56 Condolence(s)
Arnold and Elsie Harris
Sunday, November 29, 2020
I had the pleasure to work with Mr. Rushing many years. He was admired and respected by his peers. Rural Special School, one of the best in Arkansas, was very important to him. I have many fond memories of Mr. Rushing, I am blessed to have known him.
Deb Swink
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Please accept my condolences! I am so saddened to hear that Mr. Rushing passed but am so thankful that he influenced so many educators, including me, to do our best and "take care of students". Prayers and hugs are sent to Angalee and all the family!
Ron(nie) Schlabach
Thursday, November 26, 2020
He was "Slow to anger and plenteous in mercy" to one who was very trying at times in class of 76.
Blessings to each of you children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as you carry on his Godly heritage.
Janie Parker Cannon
Thursday, November 26, 2020
My condolences to the Rushing family, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Rushing was one of the kindest teachers I ever had and as has already been said, I never heard him raise his voice to a student. I would have graduated with the class of ‘65, but moved out of state. Some of you will know me and some won’t, but I’m from the Fox area. I know he will be missed, but what a Legacy he has left for his family.
Tamara L Johnson
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
My thoughts & prayers are with Mr.Rushing's extended family. I was a 1975 RSHS grad with his son,Phillip. His passing sure brings up many memories. He was always so quiet & dignified. If we had principles like him now and discipline like then our world would be a better place. Tammy Harrison
Doug & Darlene Johnson Hunt
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
God be with all the family especially in this time of loss. You will always miss him and you have wonderful memories. He lived a good life , and is now with God.
Jim and Betty Woods
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers for the family.
Michael Lock
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Mr. Rushing was a great man who gave sound advice and always listened to his students. A life well lived!
John Sweeney
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
I am saddened to learn of the death of Mr. Rushing, I use the formal Mr. out of deference and respect. It took an untold amount of patience and internal fortitude to instill character, not to mention a good amount of academic stills into many of the hundreds of RSHS alumni over the course of 37 years.
The trait that I admired most about him was his quiet dignity. His family has my heartfelt condolence, he touched many, but none so much as you.
Faye Whifield
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Angalee, so sorry for your lost! Prayers for you and your family!
Jay and Judy Berry
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Billie Lowrance
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
So sorry to hear of Rodney's passing. A few years back I was no longer able to mow my yard. Rodney came and mowed my yard several times. He loaded his mower on a trailer, which was no easy task. I haven't been going to church since the Covid pandemic. Rodney was usually at the front of the church to welcome everyone with a handshake. He will be greatly missed.
Sue Di Bartolo
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Rushing! My thoughts and prayers are with the Rushing family and friends who are experiencing this terrible loss.. God bless you all and grant you his peace! Sue DiBartolo... friend/cousin of Carol Ulmer Rushing.
Tim and Debra Kocher
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Mr. Rushing was first my teacher, then principal, superintendent, and boss but most of all he was my friend and neighbor. He was an inspiration to me and a great witness of the type of person we all should strive to be. He cared about others and was always willing to help anyone. I am blessed to have known him. Prayers for his beautiful wife and his family.
Shirley Buchanan
Monday, November 23, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rowdy and Carrie Ross
Monday, November 23, 2020
Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Roger and Debra Hipp
Monday, November 23, 2020
Mr Rushing has had such a positive influnce on our community and on all the people he came in contact with by the example he set in the way he lived his life. We are thankful that the Lord blessed us with Mr Rushing.
Patricia Louise (Treat) Conrad
Monday, November 23, 2020
I’m a 1967 graduate of Rural Special. Mr Rushing was not only my science teacher, he was the principal. I always respected him. He was a good teacher and always treated us fair. He will be missed in his family and the community. I have pictures of him and Angelee sitting on each side of my sister LaVivian Stewart at a McKee reunion in Fox. Condolences and prayers going out for his family. ♥ï¸ðŸ™â™¥ï¸
Shirley & Coy Sutterfield
Monday, November 23, 2020
Rodney was first my brother in-law , my coach, history teacher and later my school superintendent. Also to my four children. Rodney can say - I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course and I have kept the faith.
Charles D. Varela
Monday, November 23, 2020
It was a pleasure and honor to serve with Mr. Rushing on the SCMC board, and also allow me to care for him as a patient. A true gentleman and a Stone County Legend. He will be missed and remembered.
Earnestine Hess
Monday, November 23, 2020
So sorry for your loss.
James Pike
Monday, November 23, 2020
I count it a blessing to have known Rodney, and to have been his pastor for a short time many years ago. I may have been partly responsible for Rodney being chosen as a deacon at Antioch. While I was pastor at Antioch, the church had only one active deacon. I insisted that they needed some younger deacons to help carry the responsibility of the deacon ministry, and Rodney was chosen to be a deacon. Those were formative years in my young ministry, and the prayers and influence of the Rushing family were very impactful in the life of this young pastor.
Betty and I have always held the Rushing families in high esteem and were privileged to be guests in the homes of Blake and Lela, Clay and Ina and Rodney and Angalee. Nearing the end of our pastorate at Antioch, some of us went to Blanchard Springs for a picnic. I don't remember who all went, but Rodney and Angalee and their family stand out in my mind. In the following years when we had the occasion to meet, that outing was often a topic of conversation.
I have had the opportunity over the years to return and preach at Antioch on various occasions. I don't recall ever being there and not seeing Rodney and Angalee in the audience. Most of the time Rodney had a part in the service. The last time Betty and I were at Antioch was at the celebration service for Lorri Clark at the Outreach Center. We sat at the table with Rodney and Angalee and Rodney and I had the opportunity to share together. Rodney was in a talking mood and I enjoyed hearing things about Rodney's life I had not known. He talked at length about his time as a student and worker at what is now the University of Central Arkansas. It was quite an interesting story. Rodney also talked about his family of which he was very proud. He talked of his parents, and how his mother prayed that God would call one of her sons to preach. God did not call one of the sons, but did answer that prayer through her great grandsons, one of which is now the pastor at Antioch. Even after the conclusion of celebration service, Rodney stayed around for a time as we continued to visit together.
Rodney Rushing was a wonderful husband and father, a good friend, a good educator, a good farmer, a good businessman, a good citizen, a good churchman, but most importantly a godly Christian gentleman who impacted his world for Christ. He will long be remembered and will truly be missed.
Scott Branscum
Monday, November 23, 2020
Prayers for the Family. He was a super great guy and I know will be missed by all.
Garrett and Cindy Bonds
Monday, November 23, 2020
May God’s infinite love and healing be with you in this time of struggle. Please know You are in our prayers.
Danny Ray Crymes
Monday, November 23, 2020
For all us who were fortunate to know him, he was "Mr. Rushing". Need I say more
J t compton
Monday, November 23, 2020
A wonderful man who fathered a great family. RIP RODNEY
Walter Gene Moore
Monday, November 23, 2020
A great man who will be missed by many!
Danny and Jennifer Holland
Monday, November 23, 2020
We are sorry for your loss.
Stone County Medical Center
Monday, November 23, 2020
SCMC would like to offer its deepest condolences to the Rodney Rushing Family. Rodney served on the SCMC Advisory Board for many years and was a very dedicated member. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
Susan Carter Wiggins
Monday, November 23, 2020
Dear Rushing family, I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your patriarch, and am holding you all in God's Holy Light through my prayers for God's comfort, love, and peace to abide with you as you face these days ahead. I am also very sorry that I didn't have the opportunity to meet such a fine man, as the obituary clearly reveals. In reading it, I learned even more about our familial connection as cousins, seeing that he and my dad, Robert Henry Carter, second-cousins that they were, were also both employed at Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway in the early 1950s. We have to wonder - "Did they know each other" and - "Did they know they were cousins" In the years to come, I look forward to meeting the Rushing family and learning even more about our Hinkle family, too. May God's blessings be with you all, now and always. Much love, Rev. Susan Carter Wiggins, Memphis, Tennessee
Gayle Ghent
Monday, November 23, 2020
A great man who served his God and family and community. He will be missed by many!
Linda Lay Dveney
Monday, November 23, 2020
Mr.Rushing was a very nice man ,he was so kind to me , I respected him I felt he was a fair teacher, today I would say ( now that I’m a Christian) he reminded me of JESUS!! We will see him again some day and my Heavenly Father if you believe. Rom.10:13
Dwain and Janice Crymes
Monday, November 23, 2020
We pray for the family
Carolyn Shipman
Monday, November 23, 2020
Sorry for your loss. He was a great person. I knew him through the Stone County Historical Society. He will be greatly missed by friends,family, and community
Destiny Roth
Monday, November 23, 2020
This man was a legend.
Never forgotten.
Always remembered.
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Silas Berryy Jr
Monday, November 23, 2020
Condolences to Angalee and their Children. From a long list Cousin.i always thought you and Rodney were great examples.
Mazie J Lee
Monday, November 23, 2020
I am at a loss for words to express my sympathy for all the family and friends for this very fine man. Ronnie sure thought a HUGE and HIGHly regard for this man. I will be praying for all to have comfort from God and may you have a lot of memories to flood out the lonesomeness.
Randy and Sherry McCaslin
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Thoughts and prayers for the family
Jessica sterlin
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Me Rushing was a role model for many generations and a Godly example!! I’m honored to have know him
He had made it home!
Praying for the family
Love you all
Jessica Sterlin
Martha Stanley
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Mr. Rushing made this teacher from Off feel welcome. His generosity of spirit and his ability to see through hooey was remarkable. His legacy will be deep and wide.
Jane Kersey welch
Sunday, November 22, 2020
1965 Gradúate of RSHS. Mr Rushing was principal.
Bobby Rushing
Sunday, November 22, 2020
May the Lord bless you all during this difficult time..
Reva Jo (Green) George
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Angela, I will be praying for God's love and comfort surround you. I can truly say I know what it means to lose you spouse, the Lord took Floyd home 4 years ago, but you have a wonderful family to help you. Love in Christ, Reva.
Niva lamcaster
Sunday, November 22, 2020
I am praying for all of you for comfort at this time. Rodney was a great man. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Vernon and Lela Marsolf
Sunday, November 22, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Rodney was a very kind and sweet man. He will be greatly missed.
Lynne Caldwell
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Love and prayers for all of youðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Jody Bane
Sunday, November 22, 2020
What a wonderful father, teacher, & friend . My condolences to all family members. I know you have many wonderful memories. Please know you are being lifted up in prayer. Always remember his wisdom . With warm love. Jody Bane
Larry and Marilyn Seaton
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Mr. Rushing was a wonderful christian example and an excellent mentor to a multitude of students and teachers. During all my years at Rural Special I never recall him raising his voice, but rather he calmly dealt with situations and was always available to listen to needs. As a principal and superintendent he wore many hats and served each role excellently. Our love and prayers go out to his family during this sad time, but rest assured he is already preparing a reunion with you and many others. He will live on through the vivid memories that will continue to bless those that had the pleasure of knowing him.....Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to all of you...
Ruth Ann McClelland
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Gary and I send all our prayers to the Rushing family. It is a very sad day, knowing Rodney w ill be missed by family and friends. He will always be remembered...
Ruth and I regret that we will not be able to attend. We will be in Ohio for Thanksgiving with her parents, 95 and 96 years of age.
Thank you Rodney for all the memories you shared.
Deborah Linville Baker & Jeff Baker
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Prayers for your family.
Dorothy McMcurdy
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Distant Rushing relative. Rodney was the most gracious man I have ever known. He was able to teach me so much about my heritage. Gave my family tours as tho it was the first. Last November he did just that & I will never forget it. No question about his destination & acceptance in God’s arms. Loved you Rodney.
Jessie M Williams
Sunday, November 22, 2020
So sorry for your loss. my thoughts are with the family.
Brenda Lewis
Sunday, November 22, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss, Rodney was a great man not only for the Fox and Rushing communities, but for our entire county. He will be greatly missed.
Colleen and Matt LaNou
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Rodney will be remembered lovingly by all our family. I'll always remember fun visits to the Rushing home as a child, and how Rodney and Angalee always welcomed us with open arms. He was always happy to see me and he is and will always be a very important part of my family's story. My thoughts are with and prayers for each member of the family and I'm so thankful we'll be reunited with those have gone before. Hugs to you all.
Collin Martis (Hinesley family)
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Rodney was a kind and loving man as well as an exemplary role model. I always enjoyed listening to my Grandpa, Wendell Hinesley, tell stories of his and Rodneys upbringing. I especially enjoyed the time I got to spend in person with my Grandpa and Rodney, as their stories and banter were always entertaining. Rodney will be missed greatly. Our thoughts are of good times spent with him and our prayers are for his family and friends.
Charles and Carol Rushing
Sunday, November 22, 2020
What a wonderful brother who is loved and will be forever remembered and missed.