Michael Anthony Rush

The one and only, Michael Rush, took God’s comforting hand to his heavenly home on February 21, 2023 on what was a sunny winter day. Michael was born April 28, 1973. He was his mother, Barbara’s only son, his sister, Sherry’s only brother and his dad, Mike’s namesake. As a young boy, his step-dad, Steve came into his life. I imagine he entered into a brightness that warranted his forever and always sunglasses and that his momma grabbed her baby for their reunion.

Michael loved being outside, you’d never find him working at an office, wearing a suit, or pretending he liked people, no dollar amount could entice him, so, he didn’t. Michael spent almost two decades with McMillan Lawn Service, where he helped design and transform yards for many local doctors, attorneys and UT coaches. Jerry may have been paid Michael his paycheck but, it was Frances that he charmed.

At his home in Rocky Hill, the yard outmatched all the rest. Michael would often spend hours, after being in the blazing heat, to make sure Rhonda had it just a certain way. "Stay out of the dirt Rhonda, you have no clue."

And, then, this girl Rhonda! Only God knows how these two incredibly different people crossed paths. Rhonda was booksmart, protected, naive, simple, she had rules and expectations and parents that said “STAY AWAY FROM MICHAEL RUSH”… but, she didn’t. She never left his side. She never will.

Michael’s beauty was undeniable, but, by far, not the only reason he caught her eye. Michael was tender and sweet and caring and loving, she just had to help him bring it out, every bit of it. Michael grew up with and for Rhonda, he knew exactly what she expected and he carried thru with it. He transformed so much to match her expectations. She promises to stay “quirky, simple and a true brainless blonde”. Once upon a time, early on, Michael gave Rhonda one request. He told her to never call him “MIKE RUSH” because that was for friends and enemies and she was neither. On April 12, 1996, they shared a pepperoni pizza as their wedding menu, never will a pizza be better! She became Mrs. Michael Rush, never MIKE.

The joy of his heart, his greatest investment, his reason for reason, his desire to be a better him … Nathan and Hayden. Nathan is his daddy’s twin, his shining star, all the things that Michael has said he imagined his own self to be if he were perfect, especially since he saw his own mirror image. Nathan, he said, "he’ll take care of us when we are old. His hearts so big Rhonda". Hayden is his daddy’s baby boy. The little boy that tested the master tester. Michael often said that his baby boy went from riding shotgun eating a Hershey's bar to driving that dang BMW that is way too much for him. Hayden, he said, "he is just so pretty, the girls will take care of him Rhonda".

Ronnie and Carolyn embraced that there was no turning back, Rhonda was a crazy girl in love, and so it was. Ronnie taught Michael all the dad things he never knew, kept secrets and lies, but, Carolyn put him in his place every single time. Crystal was Michael’s calm, she listened to him, she agreed, even if she didn’t and that was good enough for him. She always answered his call. Michael always said that he couldn’t in a million years pick a better Jason, a dad uncle, if there is such for his loves.

Becky never said Mike, she never said Michael, she said Michael Rush. Where is Michael Rush?

Michael had several nieces and a nephew. With no small recognition, there is a Beagle at home, Hank Bone Rush, that is never gonna find his howl again.

This pain and grief and heartache must surely ease, it must surely lessen.

We will carry him with us, in the wind and thru the sunshine.

Michael you are so loved….

Rhonda will never be the same without her sidekick, her partner, her best friend-her forever love.

A visitation will be held for Michael on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 5-7pm at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home. Michael will be laid to rest on March 2, 2023 at a graveside service at 11am at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions be made to cover funeral expenses. Please contact Berry Highland Memorial at 865-588-0567.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Rush family.