Ross “Wayne” Bussey

Ross “Wayne” Bussey of Rocky Mount passed away on February 7, 2024, at the young age of 82 after a brief illness. He was born on June 3, 1941, in Callaway, Virginia to Forrest and Myrtle Bussey.

Wayne was a loving, devoted, and protective husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family was the most important thing in his life, and he ensured everyone was always cared for. He had a strong faith and was a faithful servant to the Lord sharing his gifts of service through the churches he attended throughout the years and did it in a quiet and unassuming way. He was a longtime member of Gogginsville Methodist Church and Rehobeth United Methodist Church serving the Lord in many capacities throughout the years.

Wayne worked as a truck driver for both Blue Ridge Transfer and Advanced Auto for over 40 years. He was an avid sports fan loving the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians. In his younger years, he loved coaching and coached his girls in softball and coached sandlot football. He was a longtime fan of Ferrum College football and was one of three gentlemen who entered Adams Stadium for the first football game ever at Ferrum. He attended hundreds of games over the years between football, basketball as well as other sporting events.

Wayne was a 1959 graduate of Franklin County High School and attended Callaway during his primary years. He supported Franklin County sports teams over the years, especially enjoying basketball and softball. Having three girls of his own and being a “girl Dad”, he was passionate about women’s sports and always supported his girls by coaching and mentoring them. Wayne played fast-pitch softball in his younger years and passed that love along to his girls and granddaughters. He adored all his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids and loved spending time with them and watching them pursue their interests.

He enjoyed talking about sports with his sons-in-law and grandsons and anyone who would talk sports with him. Racing was a big part of his life when he was a young man and he followed NASCAR throughout his life. He was a FORD man and only owned Fords up until very recently. Fred Lorenzen and David Pearson were his favorites along with the Wood Brothers organization.

Wayne loved working outdoors and spent many hours in his garden especially tending to his tomato plants which he loved to share with others. He was always tinkering with things at his work table and spent a lot of time outdoors working in his meticulously kept yard. Wayne was a learned man who was a voracious reader. He was constantly reading his Bible and the Upper Room and loved reading westerns in particular. He enjoyed watching westerns on TV, especially John Wayne movies.

Holidays were always a bustling time with family, but Thanksgiving at the Bussey household was a most special time. Everyone gathered together to eat, fellowship, and play a competitive football game in the backyard that grew over the years inviting family and friends to play. He would spend time doing “field maintenance” in the backyard mowing and even added a goal post for extra points.

Wayne and Jewel especially enjoyed dancing and listening to bluegrass music together and could often be found at the local community center or Dairy Queen on Thursday mornings listening to music, dancing, and talking with friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Myrtle Bussey, sisters Rebecca Renick and Iris Sink, and special nephew Donald Renick. Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Jewel Carter Bussey of 60 plus years. His daughters Allison Guilliams and husband Tim, Shelley Hodges and husband Charles, and Karen “KK” Bussey; his grandchildren Matthew (Desiree), Shane, Kayla (Travis), Rachel (Lucas), Dakota (Sydney), and Drew and his great-grandchildren Gavin, Emaleigh, Aubree, and Rylan whom he loved and adored. He is also survived by his brothers Claude, Forrest Jr, and Henry Bussey, and sister Betty Woodford as well as numerous nieces and nephews who were all very special to him.

Many thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff members at Roanoke Memorial, the Blue Ridge Cancer Center, and Franklin Memorial for their care during Wayne’s brief illness.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 11th from 4 – 6 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be a graveside service for the family per his wishes on Monday, February 12th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rehobeth UMC to the attention of Nelda Wray where checks can be mailed to 730 Bernard Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151, or donate to Lady Eagles Softball Booster Club, checks to be mailed to Sandra Ingram at 2889 Jack’s Mountain Road, Glade Hill, VA 24092. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service, Inc. and Cremation Center.