Robert C. Bush

God gives his hardest battles to his strongest soldiers. It is with great sadness that the family of Robert C. Bush (age 91) announces the passing of an American WWII hero. Robert C. Bush was in the Second Armored Division that fought under Gen. George Patton and Gen. Dwight Eisenhower. Mr. Bush was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery in combat. He almost lost his feet from frostbite during the Battle of the Bulge. Bush volunteered to join the army at the age of 17 and was one of the remaining Greatest Generation. Mr. Bush felt strongly about his service (1944-46) and that WWII was a ‘just cause no matter what the price.’ He remained after the war as an MP in Berlin and was involved in the disarming of the German army. Humbly, he maintained his soldier mentality throughout his lifetime. Bush almost never talked about his combat experiences from the five battles in Europe. He often stated that he was only fulfilling his obligation as an American citizen.

After returning home from the war, Robert married Mary Kate “Elizabeth” Vickers who was his hometown sweetheart. He and Kate raised four children in Andalusia. Ms. Kate often said she fell in love with Robert because of his honesty, integrity, work ethic, and sense of humor. But, what she loved about him most was his strong love and devotion for his children. Robert was baptised in the historical First Baptist Church which was located near the courthouse. Bush was a quiet man with a quick wit. Robert’s memoir includes many recollections of stories throughout his life. He was a highly successful entrepreneur who always spoke with wisdom. He often shared stories which involved faith, values, and his love of country. After working with Beasley Packing Company in Andalusia, Robert built his own meat distribution company. Additionally, Robert built the first coin-operated laundry in south Alabama which evolved into 20 Kwik Kleen Coin Operated Laundry locations.

During his life, Robert also took an intense interest in flying and held a private pilot’s license and owned a small, private plane. He retired as a cattle and tree farmer. Robert Bush is leaving as an example for future generations a role model of being a fine Christian gentleman with steadfast love, creativity, and hard work. He was an unwavering husband and father.

Robert C. Bush was born the fourth in a family of six children to Mary and Fred Bush of Abbeville, Ala. He grew up on their family farm to learn to respect and appreciate all nature and its preservation. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. One of his favorite recollections of growing up was remembering when his family could finally afford to buy him a pair of overalls with pockets after the Great Depression. He thought it was great to have pockets to carry all his rocks, fishing bait and bullets. As a teen, Bush drove a school bus for the public school system.

Robert is survived by his four children, Mary Lynne Bush, Donna Faye Taylor (Tommy), Dr. Robert Craig Bush (Beverly), and Philip Wood Bush (Julie); and his six grandchildren, Tracy Marie Gundy, Robert Davis Buescher, Kyle Moore Buescher, Robert Conrad Bush, Courtney Lynne Bush, and Robert Coleman Bush. The name Robert was received by five of his namesakes.

He also is survived by his six great-grandchildren, Ashley Marie Gundy, Gracie Lynne Gundy, Everleigh Kate Buescher. Taylor Faye Buescher, Mikel Davis Buescher, and Kinsey Elizabeth Gundy. Robert also loved and had a close relationship with many nieces and nephews. His surviving brothers, twins, are Eddie (Anniston, Ala.) and Freddie Bush (Eufaula, Ala).

Visitation will start noon on Sat., July 23, in Andalusia First Baptist Church Chapel. Services will follow at 1 p.m. with Dr. Fred Karthaus officiating. A military graveside service will follow at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers are grandsons Dave Buescher, Kyle Buescher, Rob Bush, and Cole Bush, son-in-law Tommy Taylor, and nephew Crawford Bush.

Foreman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

Margaret A. Hutto

Mrs. Margaret A. Hutto, age 92, of Andalusia, passed away on Wed., July 20, 2016.

There will be a Memorial Service at West Highland Baptist Church on Sun., July 24, at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Hutto was a lifelong resident of Andalusia and touched the lives of many through the business she owned and operated for more than 60 years, Margaret’s Beauty Shop. Her customers were like her family to her, and she took a special interest in all the stages of their lives. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Helen Hutto of Decatur, Ala.; her grandsons, Jason Hutto of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Wesley Hutto of Montgomery; two great-grandchildren, Hayden and Cade Hutto of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; two granddaughters-in law, Jen Hutto of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Katie Glenn of Montgomery.

The family asks in lieu of flowers to please send memorials to Comfort Care Hospice.

Those who wish to sign the guest registry online may do so at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

 

Byrd Harrelson

Mr. Byrd Harrelson, 79, of Sanford, passed away Wed., July 20, 2016, at a Dothan Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Sat., July 23, from Foreman Funeral Home Chapel with Winford Davis officiating the service. Interment will follow in Sanford Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Fri., July 22, at Foreman Funeral Home.

Survivors include his sons and daughter-in-law, Robby and Vicky Harrelson of Dozier and Dewayne Harrelson of Sanford; daughter and son-in-law, Helen H. and Duane Williams of Branford, Fla.; grandchildren, Matthew Harrelson, Kayla Eaton, and Daniel Eaton; great grandchildren, Callie Harrelson and Briley Harrelson; sisters, Voncile Meeks and Fannie Rodgers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Giles and Carrie Harrelson; wife, Shirley Butler Harrelson; brother, Alvin Harrelson; and sisters, Thaddie Cobb, Jessie Hurst, and Ruby Baldwin.

Pallbearers will include Jamie Dubose, Adam Butler, Joseph Butler, Jeff Ludlum, Doward Odom, and Dallas Odom.

Those who wish to sign the guest registry online may do so at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.

 

DONALD HORACE GUNTER

Donald Horace Gunter, 82, of Wetumpka,, died on Tues., July 19, 2016.

He was born Dec. 15, 1933, in Opp, and grew up in Andalusia, where he married Margaret Caffey Booth (Horton). He worked as a manager in apparel plants.

He is survived by his sister, Amy Cooper (husband Virgil); three sons, Neil (Terry); Donnie (Margaret); and Booth (Rene); a daughter, Wendy Moore; five grandchildren, Kyla Gatlin, Rachel Gunter, Jessica Gunter, Lee Gunter and Emma Clai Gunter; and three great-children, David, Daniel and Reagan Gatlin, and extended family and friends.

He also had two brothers, Warren and Dudley, both deceased, and two former wives, Elaine Owens and Twinette Smith.