Robert Walton Busby, 80, "Bob" and Norma Ruth Whitney Busby, 79, passed away this week and will be together and comfort each other in heaven as they did on earth. Bob died Tuesday, Sept. 4, unexpectedly and Norma passed away Sept. 6.
They were the light of each other's lives and would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in December. A private graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday. The family will visit with friends in the Family Life Center at Salem United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Sept. 10. Bob and Norma were devoted to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their survivors include four children, Susan Busby Thornton (Patrick), Robert Wesley Busby (Jill), Lou Anne Busby Whitten (J.W.), and Nina Ruth Busby Henderson (Joe); nine grandchildren, Mary Margaret Gunn, Walton Alexander Whitten, James Levi Whitten, Tanya Marie Henderson Kitchens, William Jacob Henderson, Andrew Joseph Henderson, Jon-Patrick Thornton, Amanda Ruth Thornton, and Marina Grace Busby; five great-grandchildren, Alana Tave Gunn, Cedric Isaiah Gunn, Jonah Davis Gunn and Gavin Bryce Kitchens. Victoria Grace Henderson preceded her great-grandparents in death.
Bob was born and raised in the East Point area of Atlanta.
He and Norma met in high school and while it took Norma (in cahoots with Bob's mother) a little manipulation to gain her first date with Bob, they became inseparable and married shortly thereafter. Norma often commented that after 60 years together, she would still get a tingle when Bob walked into the room. Bob fell in love with Norma's sweet smile, beautiful blue eyes and dimples. Their love for each other was a shining example to their family, friends and everyone who knew them. Bob was a proud veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. He moved to Conyers in 1973 and started East Metro Surveying Company, which he operated for 20 years. He loved playing golf, a friendly game of poker now and then with friends, and watching football and baseball.
Norma was known as "Nurse Norma," serving as a pediatric nurse in Conyers for many years. She earned her degree later in life, graduating from Georgia State University as a participant of the university's initial Nurse/Physician's Assistant program. Her dedication to higher learning and serving others was an inspiration to her children, who strove to emulate her spirit of excellence in everything they have achieved.
They were active members of Salem United Methodist Church and while living in Rutledge, were faithful members of Madison Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be submitted online at scotward.com.
