Ulysses Bush

Ulysses Bush, son of the late Blease and Inez Bush, was born on February 5, 1938, in Sanford, North Carolina. Softly and quietly, he was called from this world to the presence of his Heavenly Father on January 3, 2018. After leaving Lee County Public Schools early, he entered the United States Army and served honorably until his discharge several years later. While on leave, he met Virgie Lee Reed, who would eventually become his wife of 60 years. They raised five children, Vickie Lynn, Craig, Kim Lorraine, Christine, and Lisa Denene. Ulysses worked various jobs to support his young family. Eventually, he became a tractor-trailer driver joining the Teamsters Local 355 until his retirement. Everyone at work simply knew him as “Bush,” plain- spoken, direct, and honest. He was known as a strong leader and an outspoken advocate for what was right. He worked tirelessly for his company, never taking a day off even when he was sick. Ulysses had high standards for himself and those around him. For all who knew him, there was no denying his three most important priorities, family, football, and racing. Ulysses was a family man, devoting his life to ensuring that his wife, children, and grandchildren felt loved each and every day. He believed that a man had two missions in life, to provide for and protect his family. No one did that better than him. He always took great pride in doing the impossible in every aspect of his life. No matter what difficulties he faced, whenever anyone would ask him how he was doing, he would respond by saying “If I was any better, I would be two people.” Ulysses was a man that always looked at his life, as a glass half full. He never saw obstacles but rather opportunities. He has instilled the lessons of hard work, devotion, dedication, loyalty, and optimism in his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ronald Bush; three sisters, Mary Frances Bush, Carolyn Barrett, and Hazel Ruby Chalmers. He leaves to cherish his precious memory and carry on his legacy; his devoted wife, Virgie Lee Bush; one son, Craig Calloway; three daughters, Vickie Leake (Frank), Christine Watson (Dennis), Lisa Watson (Donald); six grandchildren, Lakisha Terry, Jennifer Buck, Brigid Calloway, Christopher Watson, Lauren Watson, Taylor Watson; four great-grandchildren, Aiyana Lee, Akira Lee, Kaley Buck, and Preston Calloway; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Ulysses Bush

February 5, 1938 - January 3, 2018