Ernest Ackerman Bush Jr.

Ernest Ackerman Bush, Jr. was born in Patterson, New Jersey on November 18, 1930. He was the only son of Ernest and Beulah Bush and had two sisters, Betty Marie and Beverly. He passed from this earth into the waiting arms of Jesus, his Savior, on March 11, 2021. His 90 years were filled with many memories, lots of love and, a life whose stories will continue to be told through many generations.

Growing up in New Jersey, Ernie had fond memories of visiting the beach and always enjoyed the water. During high school, he was a life guard at Jones Beach and competed in swim meets and water polo at the New York Athletic Club. He attended Valley Forge Military Academy, Dwight Preparatory and the University of Miami on a swim scholarship and was privileged to participate in the Junior Olympics. One of his infamous stories was a time when he swam through the middle of a shark feeding-frenzy, and lived to talk about it.

At only 19 years old, Ernie joined the Air Force and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. After the war, he worked with Western Electric where he went to Alaska to research and help publish a book on the Distant Early Warning Line. He then moved to Miami in 1958 as an Air Traffic Controller.

He met and married his wife of 61 years, Velvee Cobb, on August 28,1959. They had a full life together and shared many happy memories raising their daughters. The girls, Karen, Kathy and Kim grew up in Florida boating and swimming with their parents. Once on Lake Lanier, Velvee's wedding ring slipped from her finger and was lost to the depths. Ernie had faith that the Lord would bring the ring back. He prayed for God to let him find it, dove down into the darkness and blindly grabbed a handful of sand. When he surfaced, her wedding ring was sitting in the palm of his hand. God's faithfulness in that moment stayed with Ernie through his whole life and that story was often used to talk about how much God loves and answers prayers.

One of Ernie's greatest joys was his family. As the only man in the house, he took the role of protector very seriously. He was also his daughters' biggest cheerleader and was always there to support them.

After retiring from the Federal Aviation Administration, he began his second career as a home builder in the metro Atlanta area. He was an avid golfer for over 30 years with the "Before Noon" group at Rivermont County Club where he made life long friends.

He was also an usher at Mount Paran Church of God for 15 years. Ernie's faith in Christ grew through his involvement in church. He believed in Jesus and knew that he wanted his whole family to join him in heaven.

Ernie had a deep love of adventure. Some of the favorite family stories included the time he built his own working submarine, was an Arthur Murray dance instructor, owned a bar and went skydiving in his 60's. He also loved to travel and, shared this love with the family. The Bush's traveled extensively throughout the US and Mexico in a motorhome giving the girls many happy childhood memories. Ernie and Vel also enjoyed many trips to Europe, Taiwan, Japan , Korea, Greece, Israel, and many more. Their pictures of far-off places even sparked a love of travel in his grandchildren.

He had a special way with animals. Deer frequented his backyard and Ernie would often talk with them. His pets were also very dear to his heart.

Ernie was well loved by his family and loved them in return. His family grew from three daughters, to include 6 grandchildren, sons-in-law and two great grandchildren. They are all very blessed with such a fun-loving husband, dad and friend. His was a life well-lived and he will be greatly missed.