Rick Forsythe

John “Rick” Forsythe lived a life full of adventure, warmth, and unwavering love for his family and friends. On April 29, 2025, he peacefully passed away from heart disease in Olive Branch, Miss., leaving behind a legacy of laughter, determination, and generosity. Born June 22, 1968, in Southfield, Mich., Rick entered the world as a 10-pound bundle of strength and grew into a dynamic athlete. A “brawny lad,” he spent his youth excelling in baseball and hockey while making life-long friends with Shu, Stu, Bubs, and Flamin’ Kamen. In high school, he took on the challenge of football at Detroit Catholic Central, where he played as an offensive and defensive lineman. His passion and prowess for sports led him to Saginaw Valley State University on a football scholarship, earning a business degree in 1991. Despite a childhood dream of driving an ice cream truck, Rick launched his career in the automotive industry. A driven professional, he worked as a sales account manager in Detroit, while obtaining his Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University in 1995, and later in Sioux Falls, S.D. In 2002, he moved to Memphis and dedicated 21 years to FedEx, serving in multiple roles. His work on the international acquisitions team took him and his family around the globe, and his dedication earned him the prestigious FedEx “Five Star” award. While Rick excelled in athletics and his career, his greatest joy was being a father to his prized children, Reagan, 19, and Rex, 16. He delighted in every adventure with them — whether dune driving near Dubai, going on safari in South Africa, camping in the Canadian Rockies, touring NASA, riding roller coasters at Cedar Point, taking a mission trip to Guatemala, cruising the Caribbean, cheering them on at school and sports events, walking the family’s Old English Sheepdogs, attending concerts — ranging from opera and bluegrass to Paul McCartney and Metallica, watching in-theater movies with big buckets of popcorn, or debating fiercely during FOX News’ “Bill O’Reilly” shows. His unwavering love and support shaped their lives in countless ways. He was immensely proud of Reagan, who just completed his second year at the University of Alabama as a National Merit Finalist (Roll Tide!) and Rex, a winning wrestler who is about to finish his sophomore year at Desoto Central High School. Rick had an extraordinary ability to connect with others. His charm, humor, and knack for storytelling transformed strangers into friends — each earning a playful and affectionate nickname from him. Also, he delighted in regularly working out (completing multiple marathons), discovering obscure music, playing card games like Euchre, passionately supporting the Detroit Lions (always reminding others they had never lost a Super Bowl!), Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings, and exploring new and off-the-beaten-path places. On Easter 2004, Rick made his public declaration of faith, dedicating himself to Christ as his lord and savior. He was baptized at Olive Branch Christian Church and later became a member of Central Church and Olive Branch Church of Christ. Rick is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Cathy Forsythe, and cherished younger sister, Shelley (Forsythe) French. He is survived by his sons, Reagan and Rex; his father, John Forsythe; his brother, Steve Forsythe; his brother-in-law, Rob French; his adored nephew, Matthew Forsythe; his wife, Tonia Forsythe; his former wife and mother of his children, Michelle Forsythe; and many cousins. Rick’s life will be honored at a memorial service, followed by a lunch, at Olive Branch Church of Christ (9100 East Sandidge Road – Olive Branch, Miss.) on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. CDT. Details about a second service in Michigan on May 24 will be shared soon. The family warmly invites you to join them in honoring Rick with your own stories and reflections at the services. Your prayers and shared memories will bring comfort as they navigate their grief.

Rick Forsythe

June 22, 1968 - April 29, 2025

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