Russell "Rusty" Willis Swope

Russell "Rusty" Willis Swope, 69, departed this world on Sept. 9, 2016 from Springhill Baptist Hospital surrounded by his beloved wife and children after a month long battle. Rusty was preceded in death by his mother Ozzie Marie Pitts, father Russell Willis Swope, step-father Robert "Bob" Pitts, step-mother Jane Swope, niece Karen Austin, sister Linda Garvey and brother-in-law Mike Stubbins. Rusty is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara; children, Patricia Anne (Harley Bradford) and Norman Russell (Leslie); his precious grandchildren, Elizabeth, Harley Russell, Rachel, Kelsey, Chance and Lila; siblings, Linda Austin (Ron), Adrienne Stubbins, Sheila Moss (Dan), Debbie Sullivan (Curtis), Pam Swope-Bland (Ira), Mike Swope (Pam), Lisa Swope (Charles Medley), Michelle Staten, Gary Meyer (MaryAnn), many nieces and nephews, Sunday School Class of First Baptist in Cabot, and friends from his lifetime in the US Air Force and career in insurance and financial planning. Rusty was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Aug. 21, 1947. From a young age, until his death, he defied all the odds at every turn. He grew up in Pine Bluff and attended high school there. Rusty married Barbara on Oct. 30, 1967 in Moro, Ark. He lived many places including Japan, Okinawa, Guam, Louisiana, California, Spain and other places the USAF sent him. He was a jet engine mechanic and supervisor with 22 years in the military and retired with honor. He once snuck Norm on the flight line so he could see them test fire the SR-71, it was one of his favorite moments. He was proud of being a teacher to several astronauts from the Mercury Missions. Rusty was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Rusty got started into the insurance business with Metropolitan Life, started his own company, Insurance and Investment Innovators, then was sought by Mark Goings at Allstate and loved the family he worked with there. Rusty was raised by many and learned to work hard at a young age. He has been a faithful member of First Baptist for more than 26 years. He started a ministry, Helping Hands, to help widows with honey-do lists. He was a Gideon, and delivered bibles to prisons many times. He loved the Lord, and rejoiced in passing that legacy onto his children and grandchildren. Rusty loved to fish and he did that often with friends growing up. He fished every chance he could. He adored his fishing buddies Richard, Rick and Paul Key of Mississippi, just to name a few. Fishing was his favorite, until grandchildren came. He celebrated every holiday, preparing food with love for all to enjoy. He loved spending time with his precious grandchildren, family and all of his church family. The family wishes to thank the medical team at Springhill Baptist Hospital, and especially the ER department and CCU. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rusty's memory may be sent to First Baptist Shoebox Ministry, 204 N. Third Street, Cabot, Ark. 72023. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 13, 2016 from 3-6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cabot. Funeral Service will be at 6 p.m. Arrangements by Moore's Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.