WALTER A. BUSBY

WALTER BUSBY Obituary

BUSBY, WALTER A.
Dr. Walter A. Busby, former professor at the College of Education at the University of Florida, died on March 25, 2018 at his Gainesville, FL home from complications from cancer. He was eighty-three years old.
Born in Marked Tree, AR in 1935, he graduated from Greenfield High School in Greenfield, IN and served in the United States Navy. He was first in his class in the Mobile Construction 'Seabees' and served in Mobile Construction Battalion Four, earning a National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
He graduated from Millersville State Teacher's College in Millersville, PA and earned a PhD in Educational Psychology from Michigan State University. He was recruited to the University of Florida faculty by Humanistic Psychology pioneer, Arthur Wright Combs. He was a dedicated and beloved professor of Educational Psychology, and was named 'The University of Florida's Most Popular Professor' by the student newspaper, the Florida Alligator. Nearly 5,000 students completed his Human Relationships course. He retired in 1995.
He founded the Institute of Holistic Education in 1988, dedicated to developing a library and resources for alternative healing practices and education, and offering services to income deficient. He was a warm and generous friend to many, and he recounted the numerous special people who touched his life and his spiritual journey in his book 'The Journey of a Mystic Child', published in 2017.
Dr. Busby is survived by his son, Scott H. Busby and wife Mary, of Sharpsburg GA, and daughter Pam Busby McFarland and husband Mark, of Mount Pleasant, SC; grandchildren Grace and Collier Busby, and Aubrie McFarland; brother Don Busby of IN, and sister-in-law, Clela Busby of Scottsdale, AZ. Also surviving are cherished nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews; along with close friends and colleagues, and alumni of the UF College of Education. Dr. Busby is preceded in death by parents, Joe and Ruth Nance Busby, sister, Nina and brother, Joe.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Food4Kids Backpack Program of North Florida at www.food4kidsfl.org or by calling (352) 514-0281.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gainesville Sun from Mar. 30 to Mar. 31, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for WALTER BUSBY

8 Entries

Daniel J McCarthy

August 15, 2023

Walter was one of the smartest people that I have known with highest consciousness of anyone that I have known. I hope the universe will draw us together again.

Mike Fagan

August 1, 2021

Walter was my professor, mentor and good friend. We discussed psychology, played golf, and enjoyed many good times together. I miss him.

Jetta Goolsby

March 21, 2020

Somewhere in the Universe, Walter is flying high like a bird and loving existence! I think of him often and send him love but he is probably more connected now to Love than ever in his Earthly life. Walter is probably sending me "good vibes" of love and watching over us all, especially his sweet family.

Jetta Goolsby

April 13, 2018

Walter was a treasured friend and inspiring teacher. I miss seeing him so much. We shared a wonderful website, Mystic Heart Song, where spiritual channeling and Biblical insights are given. Walter's Institute of Wholistic Education sponsored his good and charitable works. His "GOOSE" (Gathering of Old Souls) parties at his home were warm, entertaining, and spiritually up -lifting. I know that Walter fought his illness and hoped that he would be cured. Always smiling, he joked with friends that he would see them on the "other side" one day. I know that Walter's generous, kind, and cheerful spirit will always be remembered by me and his many friends who cared so much for him. God Bless and Comfort Walter's family in this sad time.

Mary Clark

April 6, 2018

"Death ends life, it doesn't end relationship." Ira Progaoff Walter's spirit will live on in me and all the peoples whose lives he touched. He will always be a blessing in my life. I remember fondly the Psychodrama groups at his home back in the days. In profound gratitude.

Leslie Sahler

April 2, 2018

Walter was a dear, loving and deeply aware soul who had a gift for bringing people together in community. His sincerity of spirit touched me deeply, always will.

Tony Domenech

March 31, 2018

I, like many other students at the University of Florida, had Walter as a teacher. I loved him, as did many others. He taught us to look at the world differently. I only wish I had his outlook. I was blessed to see him a couple of months ago at Millhopper Publix. This is a perfect picture depicting the beautiful soul we all know.

Lisa Grodewald

March 30, 2018

Walter was a customer of ours at Auto Er and such a bright happy soul. He could make your day just walking in the door with his contagious smile. Rest in peace my friend.

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