Obituary: Michael Philip Rushing

Michael Philip Rushing
July 24, 1956 — June 2, 2023

“To be absent from the body … (is) to be present with the Lord.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:8       

Michael Rushing, age 66, died peacefully on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida.

Born in Gainesville to Joe and Margaret Rushing, he attended elementary school and Starke Lake Baptist Church in Ocoee, where he was saved and baptized at age 5. Growing up in Winter Garden, he attended Winter Garden and Dillard Street Elementary Schools, and joined Calvary Baptist Church, where he was active in youth activities. 

At Lakeview High School’s Class of ‘74, Mike joined the Interact Club and enjoyed activities with neighborhood friends. Like many Winter Garden boys, he often worked firing the groves to protect the oranges.

After early admission to Valencia Community College, he earned an AA degree and attended Florida Technological University. He held many positions, including night auditor at the Orlando Sheraton Twin Towers. After moving to Orlando, he worked for The Southland Corporation before retiring on disability in 1989.

Mike lived in Orlando for over 30 years, often riding a bike around downtown before becoming disabled. Active in the Libertarian Party, he wrote a column for Orlando Weekly called “Getting It Right with Downtown Mike.” He returned to Ocoee, living at Sleepy Harbor Condominiums until moving to Ocala for more nursing care.  

Mike found peace in his faith, the Bible, worship and friends. He loved classic hymns, ‘70’s rock and country music, action and spy novels, the beach, westerns, and nautical memorabilia. He admired Martin Luther, Dr. Vernon McGee and Dr. Jeffrey Moore of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Joe Rushing, paternal grandparents Dan, Clydell and Ann Rushing and maternal grandparents Claude and Velma Driggers.

He is survived by his mother, Margaret Rushing; siblings, Beth, Ken (Gina) and Van (Marie) Rushing and Kim (Mike) Mitchell; eight nieces and nephews, Ben and Thomas Rushing, Jenna and Paige Rushing, Shannon Ballew, Nathan Weaver, Chris and Alex Mitchel; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mike’s favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31. “… they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles ...”

Now free from pain, Mike is with his Savior.

Celebration of Life Service: 11 a.m. June 17, at Marie Williams Chapel, First Baptist Church Orlando, 

3000 S. John Young Parkway. Reception to follow in Faith Hall.