Jonesboro – Dr. Albert Holly “Buck” Rusher, Jr., 62, was at home when he went peacefully to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, May 26, 2010.

Rusher, born and raised in Brinkley, came to NE Arkansas July 1979 after completing medical school at U.A.M.S in Little Rock, and a general surgery residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He was a general and vascular surgeon who served the community of Jonesboro for 25 years prior to committing to full time medical mission work in Mongolia. Other than his commitment to family, Rusher’s passions included teaching both matters of faith and medicine and spending time outdoors. He is the founding member of Jonesboro Surgical Associates, and served many years as a deacon and life-group leader at Central Baptist Church.

Some of Dr. Rusher’s accomplishments and recognitions include: 1998 Friendship Medal from the Mongolian President for his medical contributions to that country, 2005 “Living the Mission” award from St. Bernards Medical Center, and 2010 Recipient of Jonesboro YMCA’s Toast of the Town.

Survivors include his wife of almost 41 years, Pamela Smith Rusher of the home; daughter, Holly Wells and husband Jim of Paragould, AR; son, Will Rusher and wife Courtney of Little Rock; grandchildren, Willoughby, Davis and Ryan Rusher; his parents, Albert and Betty Rusher of Brinkley; brother, Gus Rusher and wife Liz of Fayetteville; sister, Debbie Nix and husband Robin of Jonesboro; sister-in-law, Sherrie Oldham and husband Talmadge of Cabot and many nieces and nephews.

Active pallbearers will be Dr. John Cook, Dr. Brad Fields, Steve Fowler, Harold Hardwick, Stan Jones, Dr. David McReynolds, Dennis Seyler, Don Traylor, Dr. Lynn Wiggins and Bill Wood.

Honorary pallbearers include the Central Baptist Church deacons and the Jonesboro Surgical Associates staff.

Visitation will be Friday, May 28, 2010 from 5 to 7 P.M. at Central Baptist Church, 3707 Harrisburg Road, Jonesboro, AR. Following a private family burial, a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 1 P.M. at Central Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you please consider the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes, P.O. Box 552, Little Rock, AR 72203; City Youth Ministries, 118 Burke Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401; St. Bernard’s Development Foundation (Hospice Memorial), P.O. Box 9320, Jonesboro, AR 72403; YMCA 1421 W. Nettleton, Jonesboro, AR 72401; or the charity of your choice.

I have known Buck & Pam for a long time and thank God for the giving of their lives and talents to serve our Lord in Mongolia. Also, it is a blessing to see how they are still faithfully serving Him even after the brain surgery and during the many treatments. I pray for them often asking the Lord to hold them close in His embrace and minister to their needs in a special way!