Joseph Roy “Joe” Rishel moved on to his heavenly home on March 22, 2026. Born in 1950, he was 75 years old and the husband of Mickey Schwarz for 29 years.

Joe was born on October 7, 1950 in Long Beach, Mississippi, the third child of Horace “Smoakie” Rishel and Leila (Yeiser) Rishel. He attended all 12 years in Long Beach schools, graduating from Long Beach High School in 1967.

A dedicated Christian from a young age, he led the whole family to involvement in the First Nazarene Church of Long Beach and briefly attended Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN after high school.

He married Pam Lalko in 1972 and had one son, Gary Andrew in 1976. After divorce, he later met his soul-mate, Mickey, through a mutual love of line dancing (yes, boot scootin’) and they married in 1997. Together they went on to become a foundational presence in the lives of friends and family.

Joe was always ready to help whenever there was need, no matter the effort required. Without fanfare, he would just show up with his little pickup, Stetson hat, cowboy boots (and a story). With a love for the outdoors, he slayed many a mullet or squirrel (and in his younger days, rabbit, coon or bullfrog) and enjoyed working outside in his yard and vegetable patch. He liked exploring new sights and attractions and never passed a flea market without bringing something home. An excellent cook, he worked at spoiling Mickey with his trademark dishes. Always others focused, Joe served in the church whenever he could, assisting with youth basketball, for example.

Joe suffered from the family affliction: he was a talker. He loved a good story – either hearing or telling.

Joe is survived by Mickey, his wife of 29 years and the center of his world, one son: Gary, two grandsons: James and Andy, two great-grandchildren and six siblings: Susan Smith(Arnold), Alice Collier, Theodore Rishel (Marilyn), Roderick Rishel (Dorothy), Patricia Gove (Gary), and Thomas Rishel (Parma).

And a host of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. In particular, Max and Sam Gove. Uncle Joe was a constant in their lives from birth.

The family wants to give special thanks to the University of Mississippi Medical Center Cardiac ICU. The fact that he was there with the latest, state of the art technology plus world class doctors and exemplary nursing care gave “Mr. Joe” a fighting chance. The ICU nurses in particular made the journey through those long days of limbo in that terrible space between life and death almost bearable both by their meticulous care for him and the generous sharing of themselves as persons.

And words cannot describe the contribution of Joe’s baby sister, Patti, who dropped everything and came to be with Mickey. Then she just stayed – sleeping in a chair, eating hospital food, keeping watch at all hours, updating family, missing important events back home – hour after hour, day after day refusing to leave until there was some resolution. Thank you is not enough.

The family wishes to thank all of those who have expressed their love , support and prayers through these difficult days.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time in his hometown of Long Beach, Mississippi. Details to be determined.