Dustin Henry "Dusty" Basham

Dusty Basham Dustin ("Dusty") Henry Basham, 64, entered into rest May 2, 2009. Dustin was born August 18, 1944, in Oak Hill, West Virginia, and lived most of his life in Tallahassee. Dustin attended Emory University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Florida State University. He is survived by his parents, Hank and Grettis of Panama City; wife of 24 years, Bonnie; daughters Jessica and Sandyl Byars (Todd), brother Bob (Sandy), all of Tallahassee; and many friends all over the world. Dustin enjoyed four successful careers and won acclaim in all. He was a sportswriter for the Tallahassee Democrat and created the Vista Section under Malcolm Johnson's watchful eye. This later became the Limelight Section. He won three national "golden coin" awards for banking public relations when he was an officer with Lewis State Bank. He owned his own advertising agency in Panama City and along with his father, Hank, published several award-winning location guides to North Florida cities. He founded Marsh Rider magazine for the Florida Airboat Association and was editor-in-chief of the magazine. Marsh Rider has won awards as Conservationist Publication of the Year and for its outstanding service to the Airboating and Sportsmen's community. He wrote two columns: Propwash, a compilation of his sports-humor stories and a column, Will ‘O The Wisp, which were his reflections on life. His and Bonnie's airboat is named Willa The Wisp. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow and earned his Woodbadge which is the highest merit badge a Scout can earn and is given to adults for exemplary volunteer efforts on behalf of the Boy Scouts. He was Master of Jackson Masonic Lodge, F&AM #1; a perpetual member of the Masonic Lodge; a member of York Rite; Scottish Rite; and the Shrine. He was a Life Loyal member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was active in youth education efforts on behalf of the Boy Scouts and played a leadership roll in Sigma Chi initiations at the University of Florida and Florida State University. He was a PADI instructor and enjoyed scuba diving; fishing, reading and airboating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Suwannee Area Council of Boy Scouts for summer camp scholarships to Wallwood Boy Scout camp (Suwannee Council of Boy Scouts, 2032 Thomasville, Road, Tallahassee, 32308), or to The Future of Hunting in Florida (FHF, P.O Box 10949, Tallahassee, 32302) for support of youth hunting camp activities throughout the state. The funeral will take place Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. EST at Christ Epis copal Church, 425 N. Cherry Street, Monticello. A reception will follow at Gerry Hall on the church grounds.