Willie Lee Bush, affectionately known as “Bush,” was born on July 7, 1933, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Norman Bush Sr. and Mary Cook-Collins. He peacefully departed this earthly life and entered eternal rest on April 9, 2026. At the age of three, Bush relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, with his father and brother. There,Continue Reading
Willie Lee Bush, affectionately known as “Bush,” was born on July 7, 1933, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to the late Norman Bush Sr. and Mary Cook-Collins. He peacefully departed this earthly life and entered eternal rest on April 9, 2026.
At the age of three, Bush relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, with his father and brother. There, he was raised and attended New Hope Baptist Church throughout his childhood.
Bush received his education in the Cincinnati area and attended an all-boys school, where he developed a passion for sports. He later attended Lockland Wayne High School and graduated in 1952. During his senior year, he played on the school’s basketball team, the Panthers, which made history as the first all African American basketball team to win the 1952 high school Class B State Championship in Columbus, Ohio.
Following high school, Bush proudly served in the United States Army as a private. After completing his service, he began a long and dedicated career at Lunkenheimer Valve Company, where he worked for many years before retiring.
Bush was a kind, caring, and honorable man who deeply valued his family. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—watching western movies, following all sports, listening to blues and soul music, and playing cards. One of his greatest joys was teaching his grandchildren how to play cards, creating lasting memories they will cherish forever. He was known for his infectious smile and his genuine happiness with life and all he had accomplished.
In addition to his parents, Bush was preceded in death by his siblings, Norman Bush Jr. and Beulah Brannon.
He leaves to cherish his loving memories to: his devoted daughter, Tara Lynn (Leon Jr.); his sons, Anthony “Tony Baby” and Andre; his beloved grandchildren, Tiera (Brandon), Tyonna, Tatiana, Leon III “Trey,” and Leonna; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Tia, Brandon Jr. “BJ,” Leyah, and Isaiah; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many many dear friends.
Bush will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Willie Lee Bush, please visit our Tribute Store.
Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Home
left a message:
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Home
left a message:
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Thank you for leaving a condolence..
Your comment has been submitted for moderation.