Stan Rushin

The celebration of life began at 3:19 a.m. on Monday morning, September 14, 2009 when Stanley Andrew Rushin threw off the trials and tribulations of this life and ascended to the Celestial Lodge above. He was surrounded by his family as he prepared to enter into Heaven where his long departed relatives and friends awaited his arrival with great anticipation.
Stan Rushin was born on November 20, 1929 in Heber Springs, Arkansas to Lillie and Robert Rushin. At an early age, Stan had to step up and provide for his mother, two sisters and brother. He accomplished this duty on an income of $6.00 per week. He married the love of his life, Norma Jean Webb on May 1, 1948 in a double wedding with Horace and Inez Wilson, who remained life-long friends.
From his humble beginnings, Stan arose as a self-made man. He was living proof that the American Dream is possible to achieve if you work for it. After arriving in Little Rock, he worked for a time at Capitol Blueprint and later worked for the Farber brothers out of Memphis, Tennessee in the upholstery business. In 1962, Mr. Rushin became "Stan the Fabric Man" by opening Rushin Upholstery Supply in Little Rock. All members of his family were instrumental in its success over the years. From his beloved wife and four children to members of his extended family, specifically Robert Rushin, Lewis and Marilyn Crow and Billie Jean Webb, it must be said that his entire family played a pivotal role in its success.
Stan never met a stranger and always had a business card ready to give out. He enjoyed meeting and getting to know people. He had a very generous and compassionate spirit and was quick to assist those in need. It is fair to say that Stan was not a stay-at-home father, but he loved his family deeply. He was truly a father and a friend.
Stan enjoyed the outdoors, especially deer hunting season. He pleasured in the camaraderie of camp, and also enjoyed being on the river with his wife and loved ones trout fishing. He enjoyed playing cards, going to the horse races and he had very memorable lines such as "What time does the bus come by here?" and he would pretend to call home and tell Jean to "Sell the outhouse, I have lost my rear."
Stan was a Master Mason of Trinity Lodge #694, a member of Scimitar Shrine Temple, and Past Director of the Royal Order of Jesters Court #12. Until his passing, there were three active generations within the fraternity: Stan, his son, Mike and grandson, Mike, Jr. He served the Shrine faithfully for a number of years. He earned the title of "Stan the Onion Man" for his leadership role for countless years in the sale of Shriners sweet Vidalia onions. He was also a long time member of the Scat Trackers Unit, pleasing crowds throughout his many Shrine parades.
Stan Rushin really enjoyed birthdays, Christmases and every occasion to be with his family. He was really looking forward to his 80th birthday after the party he had last year. His children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren truly loved the patriarch of the family. Christmas will never be the same without Stan attempting to hold up in the air the youngest of the group with just their feet in the palm of his hand.
Stanley Andrew Rushin is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma Jean; his four children, Mike Rushin (Diane), Deborah Henry, Janet Baker (Mark) and Scott Rushin; his six grandchildren, Mike Rushin, Jr. (Renea), Amy Hutchings (James), Shera Neikirk (Ted), Michelle Yount (Marc), Megan Baker, Mallory Rushin and Kayley Rushin; and two great-grandchildren, Abby and Zach Rushin. He is also survived by a brother, Robert Rushin (Doris), two sisters, Christine Wilson and Thelma Smith and his life-long friend, Horace Wilson.
Visitation will be at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), Little Rock on Wednesday, September 16 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral will be Thursday, September 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford, Little Rock. Interment and Masonic Funeral Rites will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood. Stan's family invites all of his Brothers, friends and business associates to a celebration of his life at a reception at Scimitar Shriners (565-5992) following the interment.
Pallbearers will be Horace Wilson, Mike Rushin Jr., Mark Baker, Mike Bacon, Wayne Ray, Kenny Rose, Paul Lawson and Todd Kessler. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lewis Crow, James Bacon, David Allison, George Wimberley and the Grimmett Deer Camp.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation or Shriners Hospitals for Children (565-5992).
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Visit Stan's online guestbook at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.