Donald Ray Bush

Donald Ray Bush, age 89, of Rainbow City, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Visitation will be held on January 4, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in Parlor C. Services will be held at 12:00 pm in the Chapel. Burial will follow at Steele Cemetery. Chaplain Jim Wilson to officiate.

After high school graduation, Donald Ray joined the Navy and remained in contact with his shipmates aboard the USS Navarro. Later, he earned an electrical engineering degree from Auburn University. Most of his career was with NASA in Huntsville, Alabama. His many plaques and other recognitions attest to his contributions to the NASA space program. Donald was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed working in the yard and washing his car. A lifelong traveler, he made many trips to the West, often taking family members along. Always looking for areas of service, for several years he drove the VA van from Gadsden to Birmingham. Donald Ray was active in the Lions Club for years. He was an avid fan of Auburn football. He had the same season seats for over 60 years. Donald Ray loved God, his country, his family, and all the opportunities of service possible. He was a strong Christian and was a devoted member of the Steele Methodist Church where he participated in various types of mission work. More recently he has enjoyed going with his wife to McEntyre Baptist Church in Ashville. His well-lived life could serve as a model for others. He spent a year telling his story in a book entitled From a Mule to the Moon.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Rev. Ben and Ola Pearl Hammond; parents, Elizabeth Hammond Williams and Ray Bush; his first wife, Vivian Bush, to whom he was married for fifty years; sister, Katherine Sharpton; nephew, Benjie Sharpton; and great-nephew Mathew Sharpton.

He is survived by his loving wife of more than ten years, Edith Bush, who brought untold joy to this final chapter of his life; nephews, Dr. Hobert James Sharpton Jr. (Nancy), Scott Sharpton (Judy); half-brother, Dr. Jerry Alan Bush (Gloria); brother-in-law, Arling Bearden (Earlene); and a host of cousins and great nieces and nephews and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregiver Joann Thompson.

Morgan Funeral Chapel oversees arrangements.