Search by Name

Search by Name

Michael Charles "Sparky" Bushaw

Michael Charles "Sparky" Bushaw obituary, MARIETTA, GA

FUNERAL HOME

McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory - Columbus

3874 Gentian Blvd.

Columbus, Georgia

Michael Bushaw Obituary

Michael Charles Bushaw December 6, 1959 - December 26, 2009 MARIETTA, GA— Michael Charles "Sparky" Bushaw, 50, of Marietta, GA died Saturday, December 26, 2009 in Columbus, GA. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009 at St. Anne Catholic Church with Father J. Gerard Schreck officiating. A rosary will be said 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009 with visitation to follow at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907. Mr. Bushaw was born December 6, 1959 in Detroit, MI son of Donna Marie Graham Bushaw of Columbus, GA and the late Clarence Jacob Bushaw. He worked as an Auditor and taught seminars for Randolph and Associates. He graduated in 1977 from Columbus High School and University of Georgia in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, followed by a Masters Degree in Microbiology and was a lifelong member of Sigma Pi Fraternity. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Smyrna, GA and was a former member of St. Anne Catholic Church. Other than his mother, survivors include his sister, Susan Burns (Alex); nephews, Jacob and Steven Burns all of Chesapeake, VA; sister, MaryBeth Tola (Darren); nieces, Cynthia and Christina Tola; nephew, Charles Tola all of Ringgold, GA; sister, Karen Bushaw-Newton (Andrew Newton); niece, Ella Newton and nephew, Elias Newton all of Falls Church, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, 6229 Seminary Rd., Columbus, GA 31904 or charity of choice. Those who wish may sign the on-line guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Dec. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bushaw

Not sure what to say?





Dr. Alfredo Arauz

July 30, 2010

Sparky, you were a great friend, a loya Georgia Bulldog, and a man who loved his Makers Mark. I will pour one in your memory. You will be missed.

The McMullen Family and the Staff of McMullen Funeral Home

December 28, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Sherra Robinson

February 10, 2010

I used to work with Michael when we were both at ASI Food Safety Consultants and I always knew he was a wonderful person and it was always nice to talk to him, either when he came to the office or when he called in. He will be greatly missed. Have fun with God. Love ya,Michael.

Dana Woods

January 25, 2010

I worked with Mike at ASI Food Safety Consultants for years,,, I can't believe this,,, I am in shock, but wanted to let everyone know, that Michael was the best we EVER had and he will be missed! Love you Michael, RIP

John Buck

January 9, 2010

Mike,

You will be missed greatly. You touched many lives and we are better for having shared your life.

Brett Ladd

January 3, 2010

I knew Sparky before he was Sparky- just simply Mike. He welcomed me into Sigma Pi as a transfer student into UGA- as a junior, which is apparently NOT what other fraternities do (who wants a pledge who’s a junior, and can compete with you for the same girls?). Eventually, Mike was my roommate. I am somewhat jealous- and somewhat relieved- that today’s collegiate environment has the digital cameras which provide the visual story of college life. I don’t know if today’s students appreciate the fact that their joys-and embarrassments- are pixel-ized and shown to the world, but I’d give anything to have had that ability for the Magical Season that was UGA in 1980. For THE Sugar Bowl of 1981 (it was a crappy game, but the Dawgs won!), Mike and the gang from Sigma Pi stayed at my parents’ home in Atlanta as a staging area for the trip to NOLA. My mother remembers it as the single MOST cool thing of my college experience (regardless of several 4.0 quarters… !), and remembers Mike and his contributions to the festivities with vivid recall. The fact that my 84 year old mother was touched by Mike’s passing speaks volumes for the great guy he was. We were all lucky to experience him for some joys in our lives.

Gunnard Fredrickson

January 1, 2010

I have known Mike for almost 30 yrs and will miss him greatly.

Dave Hartman

December 31, 2009

Sparky,
Thank you so much for your mentoring and friendship over the years. On behalf of the gentlemen of the Zeta Zeta chapter of Sigma Pi, you will be missed. Because of your efforts, our chapter was able to flourish and prosper. You epitomized all that is good and honorable in a fraternity member. I'm sure they serve Maker's Mark in heaven! God bless you old friend.
Dave Hartman (Atlanta, GA)

Dave Hartman

December 31, 2009

Sparky,
Thank you so much for your mentoring and friendship over the years. On behalf of the gentlemen of the Zeta Zeta chapter of Sigma Pi, you will be missed. Because of your efforts, our chapter was able to flourish and prosper. You epitomized all that is good and honorable in a fraternity member. I'm sure they serve Maker's Mark in heaven! God bless you old friend.

David Simmler

December 30, 2009

I have known Mike for 10 years, both as a business collegue and friend. What I will most is his intelligence, professionalism and zest for life. He will be sorely missed.

Al Martinez

December 30, 2009

Sparky, I am thankful that the Lord put you in my path. You were an incredible person that gave unconditionally. Our memories of you will be cherished forever.

Michael Croom

December 29, 2009

Mike was a great help in founding Epsilon Delta Chapter of Sigma Pi. Sparky, you never minded us dropping in and hanging out. You will be missed.

The McMullen Family and the Staff of McMullen Funeral Home

December 30, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Rebecca Takacs

December 29, 2009

I will never forget not only the times I shared with Sparky and the brothers of Sigma Pi, but the support, love, and compassion that he showed everyone who came into his life. He was one of the major influences in my decision to join a sorority, and without him I can honestly say I would have never found my home among my sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau.

Sparky was a shining example of a gentleman, friend, brother, and mentor. He will not be forgotten.

Don Wingo

December 29, 2009

Mike you will be missed by your friends and classmates from Columbus High. Rest easy my friend....

Dan Zaura

December 29, 2009

Mike and I were business associates for more than 14 years; he was well respected in business, and cherished as a friend. Mike taught me a lot in our work, and I owe a lot to him. As we did in the past, I will always toast a taste of fine scotch in memory of a fine gentlemen and friend. My prayers are with Mike and his family.

Lauren Guidry

December 29, 2009

Although I only met him once, "Sparky" was one I knew I wouldn't forget. He was a great mentor to my guys in the Sigma Pi Fraternity at Louisiana Tech and was there for them. I am saddened that the good Lord has taken him home early in his life. My condolences to his family and friends. He will truly be missed!

Derek Rader

December 29, 2009

Sparky was a true gentleman, friend, and brother. My wife and I spent our honeymoon with him 10 years ago in Atlanta and Panama City and those are memories I will never forget. I love you brother, and I will miss you. Makers all around, for the gentleman in the house.

Howard Strickland

December 29, 2009

"Sparky was one hell of a guy and a great brother to Sigma Pi. His life may have ended but his legacy continues and his inspiration lives through all of us." (Delta Lambda)

Jeremy Boyd

December 29, 2009

Sparky was a huge part of so many people's lives. His bright attitude and excitement for his friends, family and fraternity brothers was always noticed by all. This is a huge loss to everyone who knew him and everyone whom had the opportunity to come into friendship with him. Sparky will be missed.

Susan Marti

December 29, 2009

"Sparky" was a beautiful spirit and a wonderful mentor to our son, Nathan, and to all of the other exceptional young men who founded the Sigma Pi Chapter at Radford University. I know Nathan thought the world of him and often sought his advice. I also know Nathan was the first to greet "Sparky" when he reached heaven. Oh, the party those two brothers are having! Our condolences and blessings to his family. May you find gentle peace. ~Sue and Pete Marti

Ben Offill

December 29, 2009

Sparky was an important person that utilized Sigma Pi to shape me into the man I am now. Many fun nights. So sad to see an icon go.

James Meier

December 29, 2009

Michael was a brother to us all, always ready to lend a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen or a little advice now and then. I remember the long nights hanging out with Sparky when he came by the Chapter house. He was full of laughter and joy and always had a smile on his face. We are lucky to have known such a wonderful man. He will truly be missed. Cheers Sparky

Mike Kunze

December 29, 2009

Mike was good friend in High School. He was a lot of fun to be with. Although I have not seen him in years I am glad that I knew him. I am sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Matt Hughes

December 29, 2009

Michael was a great person. I was very lucky to know him and greatful that he was my fraternity brother as well. I would also like to send my condolences to Michaels family. Makers Mark and Diet Coke this weekend in your honor CHEERS SPARKY!

The best man to stand by me at my wedding. Sparky, you are greatly missed!

Brian Weikel

December 29, 2009

Michael was an amazing friend, an even more amazing brother, and the finest confidant that anyone could ever know. Everyone who knew him was a better person for it. His loss will be felt for a very long time, mourned heavily. May everyone who knew him raise a toast in his honor, Cheers to a man who always put us first, and lived by the creed "Live love and laugh like it matters because in the end, its all that really does" my condolences go out to his family, and to all of the Sig Pi family across the country.

Bruce Utz

December 29, 2009

I was sad to hear of Mike's passing, I worked closely with Mike for a year and a half at the Steritech Group and was impressed with his dedication and professionalism. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Heni Sandoval

December 29, 2009

I went to high school with Mike and we became good friends our freshman year at UGA. I have such fond memories of that time we shared. Mike was full of fun, so smart and his own person.

Sarah Kunze

December 29, 2009

I remember Mike as a wonderful person. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Renee Raines

December 29, 2009

Mike always had a ready smile whenever he came to the office. His co-workers not only respected him, but genuinely enjoyed his company. He enjoyed good food, and shared some of his favorite Atlanta restaurants and cuisines with us. He also spoke fondly of his mother. May loving memories of the joy Mike brought to his family and friends carry them through this time of sorrow.

Lora Martin

December 29, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Chris Wilkie

December 29, 2009

Sparky was loyal to those he called friend. He was a passionate member of Sigma Pi Fraternity. He will be missed.

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Bushaw's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Michael Bushaw

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory - Columbus

3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Bushaw's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more