Carlton Bush

Carlton Bush, age 83, of Columbus, GA passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020 at Columbus Hospice surrounded by his loving family. A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Parkhill Cemetery with Rev. Mike Reeves officiating.

Mr. Bush was born in Chipley, FL, the son of the late Jerry and Cozetta Bush. He was brought up as a God fearing man in Chipley Florida. He lived on a farm and helped out with the family chores every morning before he went to work on a neighbor's cow farm. Once his duties were completed there, he attended school. He was on the dive team during his high school years. He graduated from Chipley High School. He was a member of Sapp Church in Chipley Florida, where he attended every Sunday with his family. He joined the Army after high school. He was stationed at Fort Benning. This is where he met our mother. They fell in love and got married. He was stationed at Fort Bliss Texas where his duties included working as a repairman on the guided missile installations. He and my mother had two children while living in Texas, Deborah and Danny. They moved back to Columbus once his services were completed. He went into business with a partner in the first contractual ambulance service company in Columbus. He and my mother had two more children, myself and Donnie. His next job was as a policeman. I believe he worked on the night shift because I can remember waking up in the middle of the night and seeing him in his uniform. He would bring us hot donuts and coca cola's. At this time, we had a german shepherd for a pet. I believe it was one from the K9 unit that had retired. His name was Joe and he protected all us children like it was his duty. I recall that dog dragging us back into the yard from the road. We would often complain about it, but he was only doing what our father had instructed him to do. I recall my father's next job was in the textile mills. I believe he worked at a couple of them, but the one that I remember the most was the Swift Spinning Mill on Second Avenue. He was a loom fixer. I believe his father-in-law, R.E. Leonard got him the job. He worked alongside him for many years until my grandfather retired. Dad continued to work for this mill for over 40 years. It changed owners, and Dad was asked to stay on and help with the transition of the company. He held a couple of side jobs during this time period. He worked at the Chevron Station as a gas attendant as well as at the Columbus Technical College in the facilities maintenance department.

Some of his hobbies included swimming, fishing, hunting and dancing. Many nights I recall him putting us to bed and shutting the door so he and our mom could dance on the living room floor for hours. They loved their music. We went to sleep many nights listening to rock and roll tunes from Elvis Presly, Chuck Berry, and Fats Domino. Of course we would crack our bedroom door so we could see them dancing. Sometimes they would have friends over and the house would be rocking. Watching them laugh and enjoying the music will forever be engraved in my heart. We didn't know our parents' hardships back in those days because they refused to lay those burdens on our ears. Looking back I see how they handled the good times and the rough times. As long as you remember to thank God for all that he has done, then, and only then, will he give you the strength and wisdom to be able to push back the coffee table and make room for a dance floor. They leaned heavily on each other when they had to bury their first born son. It took a toll on them, but they weathered the storm with God's help. Our parents taught us the beauty of life through God's eyes. Praying through hard times as well as good times. We all have our special memories of our lives with our father. He was a role model for a lot of my brother's friends as well as his sons-in-law. You could catch him on the weekend in the driveway helping one of them fix their car. Our father was a genius mechanic when it came to fixing cars. Looking back at old photos, you will find that every grandchild he had would be holding a wrench or tool, waiting to hand it to him. He always helped out someone in need and never turned them away from his dinner table. He coached little league football and baseball with our brothers. He supported numerous events with all his children. I'm truly humbled by what my father has taught me in my lifetime. I will live out my life with the knowledge that I have been blessed to be his daughter.

Carlton was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Catherine Grantham; brother, Charnet Bush; wife, Vickie D. Bush; and two sons, Danny Ray Bush, Sr. and Donnie D. Bush. Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Webb (Mark) and Denise McWhorter (Kenneth); six sisters, Louise Glass, Pat Robinson, Barbara Williams, Lillian Davis, Jerry Walters, and Judy Bush; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; dog, Dusty Bush; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Striffler-Hamby is entrusted with the arrangements; you may offer your condolences by visiting www.shcolumbus.com