Donald Joseph "Don" Bushey, age 72, of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away peacefully in his home on September 25, 2025 surrounded by his entire family. Born on November 1, 1952, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the late William and Lillian Bushey, Don grew up in Mission, KS, attending St. Pius X, Bishop Miege High School, and the University of Kansas. He earned his private pilot license in 1973 from Johnson County Community College, beginning a lifelong career in aviation. By 1974, Don had become a commercial pilot and was soon flying with Lawrence Aviation before earning his flight engineer rating in 1978. In March 1979, he was hired by Delta Air Lines, where he moved his family to Atlanta and rose through the ranks to become Captain in January 1992. After retiring in 2004 as a 757/767 Captain, Don continued to fly with Cargo 360, piloting 747s between Anchorage, Alaska, and Incheon, South Korea, from 2005 to 2007. He then returned to Delta Global Services as a highly respected 757/767 Flight Instructor, a role he held until his passing. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Don's greatest joy was his family. He met the love of his life, Susan, in January 1974, and the two were married in January 1976 at Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park, Kansas. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Don was a devoted husband, father, papa, and brother, known for his quiet strength and unwavering dedication to those he loved. Don was a man of many talents—an exceptional cook who delighted in preparing meals for his family, a skilled woodworker, and a true "Camaro man." He loved being outdoors, whether working in the yard or traveling the world with Susan. Their most recent trip to Alaska, shared with family, was a life-changing experience he treasured deeply. A faithful and active member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Jonesboro, Don's life was rooted in his faith and his love for community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lillian Bushey. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Susan; his children, Donald Jr. (Elizabeth) Bushey of Jonesboro, Aileen Johnson of Stockbridge, Emily (Oliver) Shaw of Chamblee, and Jacob (Jessica) Bushey of Chamblee; his sisters, Diana (Bill) Rash of Illinois and Deborah (John Cadet) Bushey of Washington; and his cherished grandchildren, Xavier Johnson, Noah Johnson, Isaac Bryant, Aaliyah Bryant, Aarielle Bryant, Lola O'Harris, Lily O'Harris, and Colin Shaw. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Jonesboro, Georgia. The family will receive friends at the church beginning one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Honey Creek Woodlands Cemetery at a later date. Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Jonesboro in Don's memory. Don will be remembered as a man of integrity, generosity, and devotion, who left an enduring legacy of love, faith, and family.