Mark Clements Rusche

Mark was born on January 19, 1959, in Atlanta, GA to Benard and Eunice Rusche. He entered the world full of energy and ready for all life had to offer. Mark grew up in Aiken, SC and McLean, VA and graduated from McLean High School. Following high school, Mark attended Furman University where he was a proud graduate in 1981 and then attended South Carolina Law School graduating in 1985.

After graduating Law School in 1985, Mark joined Alston & Bird where he was a real estate transactional lawyer representing clients on all types of commercial real estate projects. Mark spent the entirety of his career with the firm fostering many friendships and mentoring young lawyers along the way. He was known as a deal-making lawyer, who lawyers and clients say they wanted to work with again. Mark was ranked as a leading real estate lawyer in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business (2006–2024), and The Best Lawyers in America named him the 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” in Real Estate Law in Atlanta.

Mark was a proud member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, East Lake Golf Club, Palmetto Golf Club, and Ansley Golf Club. During his time in Atlanta, Mark also served on a number of boards including the Piedmont Park Conservancy, Peachtree Battle Association, and the Bobby Jones Golf Course Foundation where he was recently appointed President.

Mark’s zest and enthusiasm for life was contagious. Anything done with “Roosh” was “one thousand percent” and “unequivocally” destined to be a good time. He was known for his charismatic and outgoing personality, his flashy wardrobe, and his love for life. Mark was never short on stories, jokes, strong opinions, advice, or laughter, and he loved an audience. He’s never met a stranger. Mark was an avid sports fan who loved Atlanta sports, his South Carolina “Shamecocks”, and Rory McIlroy. He loved golf, food, wine, music, and a nice sports coat, but above all, he loved his family.

Mark is survived by his devoted, loving wife, Shelby Rusche, along with his mother Eunice Rusche, sister Grace Kilgore (Jim), brother Kevin Rusche (Lennisa), and children: Kathryn Rusche (Davis), Allison Rusche, Burke Addison, Will Addison, Halle Wilson, his son-in-law, Campbell Wilson, and numerous extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The family will host a Celebration of Life following the service at East Lake Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be warmly welcomed to The Bobby Jones Foundation, The East Lake Foundation, or a charity of your choice. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Piedmont Park Conservancy.