Kenneth Bush Obituary

Kenneth Bush PITTSBORO, NC - Kenneth Richard Bush "Ken or Kenny" age 76, of Pittsboro, NC, died peacefully on March 5, 2024, under the care of UNC Hospice of Pittsboro. Ken was born March 19, 1947, in Charleston, SC. He grew up in West Ashley, attending Stono Park Elementary and graduating from St. Andrews High School. He obtained his associates degree in Mechanical Engineering from Trident Tech in 1967. His class from TEC built a replica of the CSS Hunley, a Confederate submarine used in Charleston Harbor during the Civil War, which is displayed in front of the Charleston Museum. In 1968, Ken joined the US Naval Reserves, serving most of his 2 years active duty in the pacific during the Vietnam War. While on leave in January 1969, he married his sweetheart, Janice Brown. When discharged in 1970, Ken went to work at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. In 1974, he began his career with Cummins Engine Company on Leeds Avenue in Supplier Quality Assurance. This was more than just a job for Ken; he was passionate about working with diesel engines, and he excelled; working various assignments over the years and traveling quite a bit (even living in Mexico for two years). Ken retired from Diesel Recon (a Cummins subsidiary) as a Quality Manager in 2002. Besides his work, Ken's passions were family, saltwater fishing, and antique cars (especially Packards). He was an avid do-it-yourselfer and fixer-upper who could repair, patch, and build just about anything and everything. After retiring, Ken accepted a position as Quality Engineer at JBE (a family owned custom manufacturer and subassembly plant) in Hartsville, SC. In 2004, he and Janice moved to Pittsboro, NC, to enjoy life closer to their two granddaughters, Jennifer Anne and Laura Elizabeth. He continued contract work at JBE until 2016 when he suffered a severe heart attack and cardiac arrest. His recovery was slow and difficult due to complications. But, even after several surgeries and breathing difficulties (COPD and emphysema), he maintained a comfortable lifestyle until the last 6 months of his life when COPD, fatigue and cancer had set in. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janice; his daughter, Amy Dowden (John), of Chapel Hill; and his son, Kevin Bush, of Charleston. He was a father to two, grandfather to two, an uncle to many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Frances and Edward, and by his two brothers, Michael and Greg Bush. He will be remembered for his humble generosity, witty one-liners, and selfless compassion towards his loved ones. A memorial service will be held in Charleston, SC, at a date later this spring. The immediate family will contact friends and relatives with the details when they become available. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Ken with a donation to a charity of your choosing.