James “Bob” Franklin Busbee, 94, of Rising Star passed away Saturday, January 23, 2021. Bob will lay in state at Heartland Funeral Home until the visitation on Friday, January 29, 2021 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Rising Star, Texas. The Funeral service will begin at the church at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 29, 2021 with Reverend Matt McGowan officiating and Interment will follow at the Rising Star Cemetery.
Bob was born March 21, 1926 in Rising Star to Dr. Thomas and Sophie Busbee. He attended Rising Star School and married Betty Conner March 25, 1951. Bob joined the US Army in December 1944 and served in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign where he received ribbons and awards including a Bronze Star. After service in the Army, Bob went to Galveston to work for the phone company until his dad got sick and his mom told him to come home. He returned to Rising Star to work the farms and met the love of his life, Betty Conner. They moved to Pecos, Texas to start their life and career. Bob was the best tractor mechanic ever. Upon leaving Pecos he moved back to Rising Star and worked for Schultz Tractor Implement company. He started as a mechanic and left as the parts manager. Most of us here remember him as a partner with Joe Campbell in a home repair company. After retiring he became the handy man for the area. Bob knew how to do anything. His dry wit and honesty had a lesson in it for all. His niece once had a conversation with him about re-wiring his house and asked him, “if that was hard to do and did he ever make a mistake?” Bob answered with, “well honey with electricity, you’re only allowed one!” The last year his activities centered around his breakfast group whether it be at Jean’s or in his dining room, there was love and joy and fellowship had by all.
Bob is survived by his nieces, Rita Isgar and husband, Gil of Katy and Julie Sicking of Gainesville; nephews, Tommy Busbee of May, Cary Jenkins and wife Becky, Randy Jenkins and wife Brenda, Mark Jenkins all of Gainesville; brother-in-law, Bill Conner and wife, Nancy of Santa Anna; and the community of Rising Star, whom all were close as family and best of friends.
Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Conner Busbee; parents, Dr. Thomas Benjamin Busbee and Sophie Jane Wilson Busbee; brother, Thomas W. Busbee; and sister Geraldine Busbee.
A special thank you to Bob & Kay McCormick and Lisa Chambers for their love and care.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to the First Baptist Church in Rising Star, Texas, 306 N Main St, Rising Star, TX 76471.
Online condolences, tributes and memorials can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.
