Mike Abusaab, 65, of Big Spring, passed away Monday, November 1, 2021. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, November 5, 2021, on the Sonic Floor of the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum.
He was born November 4, 1955, in Shuna Jonobia, Jordan to Kadeja and Ibrahim Abusaab. He married Sheila Fisher in 1982 in Oklahoma. Sheila was teaching and Mike was the manager in the cafeteria. They had their first date at Dairy Queen and married after five years of dating.
In 1985, Mike and Sheila moved to Big Spring, Texas where they purchased the Sonic on Gregg Street, and in later years came to own multiple Sonics in several cities. Mike loved the service industry and was a mentor to his employees; he thought of them as “his own kids.”
Mike was a brilliant man and was a stranger to no one. He always looked for the good in everyone he met. He cared for his community and constantly looked for ways to give back. Mike and Sheila awarded scholarships to Howard College both in Academics and Athletics, as well as Odessa College, UTPB and many other schools in the area. They were part of the founding members of the Howard County Bowl, moving the annual football game between Forsan and Coahoma to Big Spring, which to date has awarded more than $250,000 in scholarship money to local students. Mike was a longtime board member of the YMCA, a member of the Big Spring Rotary Club for over 25 years and helped organize many community projects. In 2014, Mike and Sheila became partners in KBEST Media, for which he served as President, and #1 Fan. He loved working with the radio industry and considered all of his employees “stars.”
Mike and Sheila were complete partners in life. They received numerous awards and recognitions throughout the years including the Community Service Honor in 2014, the Good Scout Award in 2015, and in 2018 Mike was named the Big Spring Area Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year.” He loved Big Spring dearly and stated that he and Sheila could have lived anywhere in world, but they chose Big Spring because the people are the best.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila; two brothers, Mustafa Abusaab and his wife, Mimi, and Kahlil Abusaab and wife Zakia; three sisters, Zanub, Rabbah and Badrea; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and his sisters-in-law, Coy Ann McGee and Judy Reynolds.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ahmad Abusaab, Mohammad Abusaab and Zakaria Abusaab.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the YMCA, 801 Owens, Big Spring, TX 79720 or Victim Services of Big Spring, P.O. Box 2137, Big Spring, TX 79721-2137.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made a www.npwelch.com