Travis Lacy Rushing

Travis Lacy Rushing obituary, Tuscon, AZ

Travis Lacy Rushing

Travis Rushing Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 3, 2025.
With much sadness, we share that Travis Lacy Rushing passed away on February 26, 2025. Born on September 17, 1944, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Frances Terry Rushing and Travis Lacy Rushing, Travis spent his childhood in Tucson, Arizona. His mother's Southern Baptist upbringing shaped his early sense of faith, which later evolved into a lifelong curiosity and independent spirit.

He grew up with his beloved siblings, Becky, Phil, and Cathy, and fondly recalled riding the school bus with classmate Johnny Deutschendorf (John Denver) and listening to another classmate, Linda Ronstadt, sing (well before she launched her career). Travis graduated from the University of Arizona with an aerospace engineering degree and went to work for Procter & Gamble at their Long Beach, California, plant. In 1968, Travis married Diane Wolff. Their first daughter, Sara Lacy, was born in Long Beach in 1972. They moved to Cincinnati in 1973, and they had their second daughter, Jill Diane, in 1974. In 1975, the family moved to Chicago (Glencoe), and Travis Parker (Tip) was born in 1976. They spent 10 years in Glencoe, where Travis was a devoted father who embraced family life with energy and enthusiasm-whether it was running marathons and triathlons, driving his old red Triumph convertible to the town beach (with all five of them and a cooler crammed in for the 2-mile trip), playing softball, learning to ice skate (hard for a desert boy), building floats for their neighborhood entry in the 4th of July parade, or putting up a Maypole for his children's birthdays. In 1985, Travis was transferred to Cincinnati, Procter & Gamble's corporate headquarters, and the family moved to the town of Wyoming, OH. Two years later, Travis and Diane divorced, and they maintained a lifelong friendship.

Years after his divorce, Travis was fortunate to meet Julie Norman, who became not only his beloved wife but also a cherished stepmother to his children. Their love story was one of deep devotion, laughter, and adventure. When they married in 1997, their families became one, as Sara, Jill, and Tip welcomed their step sisters Dee Dee, Stephie, and Carrie into their lives. Sadly, in 2001, Travis lost his son Tip after a long battle with depression.

After decades of leadership at Procter & Gamble, where he rose to the rank of Director in global supply chain management, Travis retired and returned to his beloved desert, designing and building his dream home in Prescott, Arizona. While Julie continued building her interior design business, Travis redirected his energies to volunteer work, cowboying, hunting, fishing, skiing, and hiking. He loved to share their beautiful adobe hacienda with the community, hosting everything from fundraisers to gatherings with friends and family. His favorite place was on the patio, savoring a glass of single malt scotch while watching the sun set over the majestic mountain, Thumb Butte. His involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters spanned nearly two decades, during which he served as Chairman of the Board and as a dedicated board member for many years. In 2008, Travis was honored as Arizona's "Big Brother of the Year." His dedication to volunteer work was further recognized in 2015 when he was named the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County's Philanthropist of the Year. He was also deeply committed to Boys to Men Mentoring of North Central Arizona, serving as Board President and actively participating in rites of passage weekends, guiding vulnerable boys toward emotional growth and a strong sense of community service. His greatest influence and joy, however, was being a "Big," mentoring his "Little Brother," Michael Molina, a bond that lasted a lifetime.

Travis embraced every adventure, whether rounding up cattle on ranches, riding his horse Rocket, or rafting down the Verde River. He especially cherished the annual spring week spent riding 100 miles with the Desert Caballeros out of Wickenburg, AZ, traversing the Sonoran Desert and camping for five nights. He was a proud member of the "Poor Boy" camp and was responsible for its "greenies" (first-time riders) introduction to the ride. He was honored with the "Top Hand" award for his sportsmanship and camaraderie and served for years on their board of directors.

The adventures continued in Montana, where he and Julie built a home (fondly known as T-M) in 2006 with their nephew, Michael Gerhart, on the Madison River to pursue his love for fly fishing and big sky country. At the cabin, he found equal joy in life's simpler moments-teaching his grandchildren to fish, fly kites, and soaking in the vast beauty of the Montana sky from his porch. Travis, Julie, and Michael cherished sharing the "last best place" with family and friends.

In 2022, as his health began to decline, they made the thoughtful decision to move to  Winnetka, Illinois , to be closer to family. Throughout it all, his humor, boundless curiosity, and deep appreciation for life remained unwavering. He found joy in the simplest moments-a robin in a birdbath, the steadfast love of their dog Maddie, watching his grandsons play ice hockey, and savoring every "bulletproof blue sky" day.

Travis's time was cut short by a sudden diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer, discovered just weeks before his passing. One of his lifelong mantras was, "When it's your time, it's your time." He often said, "When my ride is over, there better not be any fuel in the tank. I want it all gone, for then I will have lived the life I chose." Travis taught us to hug hard, live with passion, and face life fearlessly. His presence was larger than life, and those fortunate enough to know him will carry his legacy and spirit forward.

Travis was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Lacy; his sister, Rebecca Gay Rushing York; his son, Travis Parker Rushing; and his brother-in-law, Nicholas Vontsolos. He is survived by his devoted wife, Julie Rushing; daughters Sara Rushing (Scott Powell, Augusta, Bella, and Will Powell-Rushing) and Jill Rushing Fonte (Joseph Fonte, Marco, and Leo); stepdaughters Dee Dee Carr (Peter Carr, Cate, Margaret, and George), Stephanie Lutz (Sean Lutz, Graham, and Hunter), and Carrie Norman (Adam Modesitt, Jules, and Cece); brother Phillip Rushing (Sue) and nephew Joel Rushing (Jenna) and family; sister Cathy Vontsolos (nephews Alexi, George, and Michael and their families); nephew Michael Gerhart (Catalina Larranaga); nephew Marc Gerhart (Paula) and family; niece Michelle Round (Tom) and family; sister-in-law, Joyce Brown; brother-in-law, Michael Filzenger (Colleen) and family; and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Travis' memory to either of the following organizations: Yavapi Big Brothers Big Sisters or Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapi County.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Travis Rushing's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 8, 2025

Kim Buckman posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2025

John Barkman planted trees.

March 11, 2025

John Barkman posted to the memorial.

Kim Buckman

May 8, 2025

Julie and family - I am so very sorry to hear of Travis' passing. What a wonderful tribute. I am so fortunate to have worked with Travis for 6 years and even more so maintained a friendship all these years later. I will forever cherish our visit to AZ a few years ago when we got to spend time with you both, as well as our yearly email updates to one another. The last update I received from him was on 1/20/25 . . . I will sure miss those. My prayers are with you all.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

John Barkman

Planted Trees

John Barkman

March 11, 2025

Lucky for me I was able to meet and do a few things on the fringes with Travis some good hunting trips a few fun golf games and a great trip to San Miguel De Allende
RIP I don´t think the tank was quite empty
But probably on reserve

Joyce & Steve Evans

March 11, 2025

Nancy Veliz

March 11, 2025

I was saddened to hear of Travis passing. I remember him fondly from high school and at the University of Arizona. May he rest in peace.

Linda & John Barkman

March 10, 2025

Travis was a bright light in this world & heaven is now the beneficiary of that special glow that accompanied him. John & I were blessed to know him and have so many great memories. He will be missed always.

Joan Greenbaum Miller

March 10, 2025

I feel fortunate to have known Travis so many years ago at Tucson High School. His positive spirit clearly continued throughout his meaningful life. May his memory be a blessing.

Rebecca Finken (Ron Finken too)

March 7, 2025

Travis was an incredible mentor and example of kindness. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, he showed me what it means to be a positive influence-always patient, thoughtful, and genuinely caring. Your guidance and support have made a lasting impact on my life.

You taught me more than just the value of helping others-you showed me the importance of listening, leading by example, and being there for those who need it most.

Thank you for being a mentor, a role model, and a true friend. Your influence will remain with me as I carry forward the lessons you taught me.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Margaret Johnston

Planted Trees

C. Michael Waag

March 4, 2025

Travis was pivotal in my life. I don´t think he ever knew it. We go back a long way. I´ll miss him. As will many.

Anne Wasicke

March 4, 2025

Travis had a sparkle in his eye and smile that filled a room with love and happiness. Travis lived his life and made a difference in all those he came across. Travis will be greatly missed in this life.

Amanda Nelson Sasse

March 4, 2025

My sincere condolences to the Lutz family and to Julie. I am so lucky to have spent time with Travis, albeit brief. He was a big personality, a kind presence and just an all-around memorable person. Much love and peace to you all during this difficult time.

Graham Lutz

March 3, 2025

I miss seeing in the stands at all my hockey game my biggest cheerleader! :)

ERICA MARTIN

March 3, 2025

It´s difficult to imagine a world without Travis working his magic on everyone. Heart, brains, looks, a sense of humor. Travis had it all including great love and a great family.

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Sign Travis Rushing's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 8, 2025

Kim Buckman posted to the memorial.

March 12, 2025

John Barkman planted trees.

March 11, 2025

John Barkman posted to the memorial.