Owen Thomas Rushing

Owen Thomas Rushing, age 84, of Calmer, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2025, at JRMC, having gone to be with his Lord and Savior.

Owen was born in Cleveland County on July 9, 1941, to William Thomas “Tom” Rushing and Lillian Elizabeth Owen Rushing.

He was a faithful member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Calmer and a 1960 graduate of Woodlawn High School. Following high school, Owen worked for Brown’s Manufacturing Company in Pine Bluff and proudly served in the United States Army National Guard. In 2002, he retired from the Cotton Belt Railroad after 40 years of dedicated service.

Owen’s love for sports began during his years at Woodlawn High School, where he played basketball. During and after high school, he played baseball for many years. He later shared that passion by helping coach peewee football and baseball. For many years, he could be found in the press box at Woodlawn football games, faithfully operating the scoreboard.

A true servant to his community, Owen was instrumental in the creation of the Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Department and served as its chief for more than 40 years. The department served the Woodlawn, Calmer, Randall, Rowell, and Pansy communities. He was also an active member of the Morrison Hunting Club in Calmer.

From 2007 until his passing, Owen served as a Justice of the Peace on the Cleveland County Quorum Court, continuing his lifelong commitment to public service.

Owen was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon Kay Craft Rushing; his parents, William Thomas “Tom” and Lillian Elizabeth Owen Rushing; his siblings, Ira Van Owen (Junior), James Edward Rushing, Thelma Lee Morris, and Barbara Ann Patrick; and his granddaughter, Casi Nicole Rushing.

He is survived by his wife, Carole Doss Johns Rushing, whom he married on August 8, 2008. He is also survived by his children: Robert Owen Rushing (Stephanie), Christopher Michael Rushing (Laura), Jennifer Allyson Honda, Dale Douglas Johns, and Carole Denise Slater (Kelly); his siblings, Linda Rushing Newman (Paul) and David Wayne Rushing (Annette); nine grandchildren—Tyler, Olivia, Katy, Maddox, Tyler, Emma, Lila Kate, Mia Claire, Cody (Malory), and Austin; seven great-grandchildren—Grant, Penelope, Ten Leigh, Enzo, Jayda, and Madison; and two great-great-grandchildren, Tinker and Desmond.

Pallbearers will be members of the Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Department.

Honorary pallbears will the members of the Morrison Hunting Club.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 29, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Buie Funeral Home in Rison, Arkansas.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church (8120 Hwy 63, Rison, AR 71665), officiated by Bro. Matt Donnell and Bro. Doney Blackerby. Burial will follow at Cypress Memorial Gardens on Highway 63.

In lieu of flowers memorials maybe made to Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church or the Woodlawn Fire Department 40 Woolley Road Rison, AR 71665.