Roy E. Bush

1931 - 2018

BUSH, Roy E. Roy E. Bush, a bright star in the constellation of the Texas Panhandle, passed away August 13, 2018 in the company of loved ones. On his way to turning 87, Roy was a big, handsome man with a bear paw handshake and a hardscrabble Texas pedigree. Roy was born in September 1931 in Amarillo and grew up in Childress, the youngest of three children. As a boy he raised chickens, herded turkeys and drove a team of mules. He excelled in track and football, earning All-District End in 1947-48. A charismatic young man, they called him "Hollywood" for his taste in expensive clothing, nice cars and fine footwear. Roy earned football scholarships at Tulane, Trinity and Texas A&M and claimed he always scored on the Longhorns. He also played football at West Point. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches where the Mathematics building will shortly be named in his honor. Roy served his country in the US Navy after which, as VP at Conoco Egypt he managed drilling operations in Louisiana, Egypt and Italy. Roy was the company go-to man. He learned to fly. He succeeded where others could not. He was a maverick. Just a boy, Roy was devastated when his father-an Army Captain-was killed in WWII. He was taken in by his Godfather Roy E. Carter (Amon Carter's brother), who taught him the merits of hard work, honesty and the oil business. As a working man Roy sent a portion of each paycheck to his mother. He carried suitcases of cosmetics and American blue jeans to the people of Egypt. He looked up to his older sister and brother. Roy had a remarkable way with words and always spoke in a courtly and respectful manner. He was a gentleman from another era. Roy is survived by his beloved wife of almost 54 years, Linda, his sister Virginia Sery of St. Louis, MO, in-laws MA and Bryan Brauer of The Sea Ranch, CA, nieces and nephews and his best pal Hondo, the prize winning poodle. He was preceded in death by his parents Allan and Ruby and his brother Mack. The family extends special thanks to Olivia Talbot, caretaker for Roy in the last three years of his struggle with Alzheimer's, and Barbara Browne of Texas Home Health Hospice. Arrangements by Heart of Texas Cremation