Robert Eugene "Bob" Bushey

Robert Eugene “Bob” Bushey, Sr., 78 Lakeland – Robert Eugene “Bob” Bushey, Sr., 78, of Lakeland passed away, of a heart attack on Monday, March 7, 2016. He was born in Pittsfield, MA and moved to Lakeland in 1969. He worked for Local Union #98 of Operating Engineers, before moving to Florida, where he graduated from The University of South Florida and became a school teacher. He taught at Combee, Rochelle, and Sikes Elementary Schools, Polk School Opportunity Center and Bill Duncan Opportunity Center. He loved his students and considered it a ministry to help mold their lives. He, along with his wife, was the Children’s Pastor for 17 years at Brandon Assembly of God. He was gifted with a Puppet Ministry and will be missed by Lula-Belle the Lamb, Burpy Bear, Granny Duck, Sammy Brown and many of their puppet friends. He was a talented drummer and played in several groups, over the years, but his most recent joy, was playing every Friday, at Senior Chapel at Victory Church. He served as a Deacon for 11 years at Victory Church, where he was a Charter member. He loved his personal family and his church family. He felt very blessed to have so many caring people in his life. He was a Boston Red Sox fan and was a season ticket holder for Spring Training in Fort Myers. The last game he attended was on March 6. He was a born-again Christian and lived his life, right up until the end, serving His Lord. He is preceded in death by his parents James Bushey Sr. and Eugenia Bushey, his brother, James Bushey Jr., his sister, Florence Grieger, and a daughter Audrey-Joyce Bushey. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joyce A. Bushey, one son Robert E. Bushey Jr. (Ruth) of Southwick, MA, two daughters, Corby-Lane Bushey of Enfield, CT and Kitty Sawyer of Lakeland, FL, six grandchildren, Kristen Nearing, Tricia Bushey, Deborah Schortmann (Zach), David Nearing, James Bushey, Lanea’ Bushey, one brother, Edward Bushey and six nephews. Also, his bird Perky. A Celebration of his life will be held at Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Road on Friday, March 11, 2016. Viewing from 1:00 to 2:00 pm followed by a service at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org

Robert Eugene "Bob" Bushey

February 6, 1938 - March 7, 2016