Rushdee Pickens

Rushdee Pickens was born to Rudolph and Dorothy Pickens on December 30, 1978, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

He attended and graduated from Robert A. Taft High School, where he was a standout basketball player.

At the early age of 17, Rue started his career working for CRC, Cincinnati Recreation Commission. He worked at Clifton Rec Center, where he was a Rec Leader and coached basketball, flag football, and floor hockey. Throughout his many years at Clifton Center, Rue touched the lives of many children and their families. He worked with CRC all the way up until April of 2020. During his time with CRC, Rue also obtained his CDL’s and started driving school buses for First Student. During his 11 years with the company, he met coworkers who turned into friends, and then became his family. The “Vine Street Bounty Hunters”, as they called themselves, supported Rue through his battle with leukemia. They made sure he lived his last days to the fullest.

Outside of work, Rue was an outstanding family man and friend. He made it his duty to keep family together by planning and hosting family reunions and holiday events. Rue always tried his best to support his friends and their children.

Although Rue only had two biological daughters, he was a father figure to many, including his nieces, nephews, god-children and the youth that he worked with. He touched the lives of many in his short time here on earth.

Rue loved to play basketball and softball in his free time. He also developed a love for photography later in life. He would capture special moments for his friends and family. Also, in his spare time he would cook. Some of his favorite dishes were his lasagna and cheesecakes. He was also the life of any party he attended. He loved to sing, dance, and just have a good time. I don’t think Rue had a bad bone in his body. Once you met him, you couldn’t help but to fall in love with him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Luther and Geneva Springs, father Rudolph Pickens, brother Elkaiem Springs, aunts Darlene Springs, and Marcia Canada-Springs, uncles Norman Springs, and Anthony Springs.

He leaves to cherish in his memories, his wife Pauline Pickens, daughters Nevaeh and Nyeemah Pickens, his mother Dorothy Pickens, brothers Don Chico Springs (Renee), Raul Springs, Ravea Springs (Danita), Shamsud-din Pickens, Donald Gay, Markeith Jackson (Joy), and Marvin, sisters Gyneith Givens, Tina Springs, Oressa Springs, Aishia Springs, Kelly Pickens, Marie Wilson-Valiente (Rafael), Shelia Walker, Austi Givens (Garfield), and Ashlie Crawford-Lossou (Giovanna), and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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