Michael L. Rideout

Michael Rideout, affectionately known as "Mickey Da' Great”, journeyed from this world on September 9, 2024. He was born on May 1, 1978, in Camden, Arkansas to Eddie Starks and Patricia Rideout.

Baptized in his youth at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Bearden, Michael found love and community within its walls. His big personality and infectious laughter made him the heart and soul of every family get-together, reunion or kick back.

He graduated from Bearden High School in 1998, Michael was a shining star in both academics and sports. His passion was for basketball, football and track. His favorite basketball team was the Los Angeles Clippers, and he enjoyed all types of rap music.

Michael worked as a forklift driver at Simmons Foods in Fort Smith for over a decade. He believed in working hard and staying out of the way. He was known for his love of bold colors, especially red and black; his durags, and ball caps. Michael's unique style reflected his vibrant spirit.

Throughout his life, Michael cherished his family above all else. His mother, sisters and brother were his rock alongside whom he weathered life's ups and downs. Spending time with his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends brought him immeasurable joy, and he treasured every moment shared with them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eddie Starks; his niece, Araye’l Rideout; his grandmother, Rosie Lee McCrae; his grandparents Feaster and Alene Rideout and an uncle, Feaster Rideout, Jr.

Michael leaves his beloved mother, Patricia Rideout; his sisters, Arlene (Jefferson) Preston of Bearden, and Linda Rideout (Therman Lea) of Carthage; brothers, Trefener (Leishunda) Rideout of Little Rock and Kelsy Starks of Milwaukee; his niece, Jaqualya Rideout; nephews, Trefonte’ Rideout of Little Rock, Quavion Rideout of Ft. Smith, Ja’Koby and Ja’Vari Preston both of Bearden; aunts, Jearlene Harper of Bearden, Pearlene (Thomas) Thrower of Bearden, and Anner Sue Sanders of Nashville; and an uncle, Billy Wayne Starks of Camden. He also leaves a host of cousins and friends. 

The viewing will be at Williams Funeral Home Van Buren, 119 Van Buren Street, Camden on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 12:00 pm until 2:00 p.m. Services will be held at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Bearden on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 1:00 pm with Rev. Verna Thompson, eulogist. Michael will be laid to rest at White Springs Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to wear Michael’s favorite colors red and black in his memory.

Active pallbearers will be Donald Starks, Nicholas Starks, Prince Starks, James Johnson, Clint Collins, Carlos Coleman, Alexis Coleman, and Kenon "Sampson" Morris. Honorary pallbearers will be Thomas Thrower, Billy Wayne Starks, Bearden High School Class of 1998 and employees of Simmons Foods.