Rick Ussery, known lovingly to his grandchildren as "Mac-Mac," passed away on June 13, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 29, 1954, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Rick spent his life rooted in the community he loved, calling Jacksonville, Arkansas, home.

Rick graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1972 and went to work at Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1974. When the company later became Union Pacific Railroad, Rick stayed right where he was, building a career defined by the same dedication and reliability he brought to everything in his life. After an incredible 40 years of service, he retired from Union Pacific in 2014.

In 1981, a blind date introduced Rick to the love of his life, Deb. That one date turned into a lifetime together, and the two built a family that became the center of Rick's world. He was a father who showed up, coaching little league teams year round when his kids were young and never hesitating to grab his tools and help his adult children with household projects. He spent years serving as a commissioner for youth baseball before turning his energy toward creating a welcoming gathering place at the lake, a space where his kids and grandkids could make memories for generations to come.

Anyone who knew Rick knew he was a perfectionist. His shop was always immaculate, even in the middle of a project, and he could tell you exactly where to find any tool you needed. Building projects meant visiting multiple home improvement stores until he found just the right piece of lumber, no matter how long it took. And you certainly did not ride your bike through his picture-perfect yard. He was stubborn, too. Once Rick made up his mind, the conversation was over. But that same stubbornness drove him to quit smoking after nearly 50 years so he could be around for his grandchildren. Through it all, he remained a loyal Arkansas Razorbacks and Dallas Cowboys fan, sticking with his teams through every heartbreaking season and celebrating every high.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Mary Lou Ussery, and his sisters JoAnn Trent and Barbara Arthur. He is survived by his wife, Deb Ussery; his daughter, Lindsey (Frank) Smith; his sons, Jacob (Nichole) Ussery and Adam (Alicia) Ussery; his five grandchildren, Maddox, Baylor, Bowen, Aura, and Beckham; and his sisters, Cathy Hibschman and Sandra Salkeld.

May he find the peace and rest he so richly earned, and may his family carry his spirit with them always.