Gary William Bushman

Gary William Bushman, 53, died Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at his home. He was born July 27, 1957, the son of William Howard and Doris Genevieve (Durniak) Bushman in Chateauroux, France. He married Beth Ann Brandt on July 30, 1977 in Pittsburgh, PA and they raised their family together in Apex, NC.

Gary attended Grove City College, subsequently joined the Air Force in 1979 and proudly served his country as a C-130 navigator, then as a Reserve Officer until his retirement as Lieutenant Colonel in 2002. He worked as an engineer, planner, and businessman, and earned Masters degrees in Economics and Statistics from North Carolina State University. His greatest joy was his family, who could bring a smile to his face no matter what. He has an incredible cadre of lifelong friends with whom he shared countless laughs, follies, and dinners. Gary loved the outdoors, sculpting his yard to reflect his passion for golf. He also found peace and happiness through music, gardening, and photography.

Survivors include his loving wife of 33 years Beth, children, Jennifer Gilner and husband David of Chapel Hill, Rachael Bushman, and Brad Bushman, both of Apex; granddaughters, Addison, Scarlett, and Evelyn Gilner; parents William and Doris Bushman of Gettysburg, PA; brother, Jay Bushman, wife Amy and nephews, Matt and Brett Bushman of Potomac Falls, VA; sister, Joy Taylor and husband Jeff.

Services will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 1 PM at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams Street, Apex. Family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary’s memory can be made to The Foundation of Hope (http://www.walkforhope.com/donate.aspx).