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- [S106] The Mountain Press, 27 Oct 2012.
Donald Anton Busha entered into eternal rest at home at the age of 61 on October 24, 2012. after an almost two and a half year battle with cancer.
Fittingly enough, Don was born in New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day, February 6, 1951, the son of Clelie Bartholomew Busha and Frederick Joseph Busha. He attended St. Catherine of Siena and graduated from Rummel High School. At a young age, Don found his passion was people which encompassed marketing, business, and sales.
From a stockroom boy at Halpern’s Fabrics to a regional manager, he continuously improved his skills. While working at Halpern’s, Don furthered his education at the University of New Orleans in the field of marketing. In 1975, Don’s dreams came true. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Enola Marie Byrd.
Shortly thereafter, Don and Enola opened their first business, Thread and Bobbin, which was in the Halpern’s store. When Halpern’s closed, so too did Thread and Bobbin. Don then moved to Cloth World and, as the general manager of the most profitable store in the chain, he built the most successful marketing program Cloth World had ever seen.
After being called to corporate to help with global marketing strategies, Don again felt the urge to branch out on his own. In 1987, Don, along with his wife, sister, and brother-in-law, opened Sew Smart Fabrics in Metairie which was an instant success, thanks to Don’s marketing abilities. Brides and housewives flocked to the store to get the latest fashion fabrics for their wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, and custom draperies.
After taking a vacation to the Smoky Mountains and realizing he never wanted to limit his potential, Don and his family decided to relocate to Sevierville, Tennessee in 1994. Don started in the real estate business and quickly rose to the top. After being in the field for only two years, Don became the #1 selling real estate agent in Sevier County from 2000 through 2007. It was during this time that he began his business, #1 Realty Group, Inc. With his vigor for life, he ran a wildly successful marketing campaign that thrust him to the top, which showcased Don’s creativity and productivity.
At the pinnacle of success, Don was diagnosed with a rare type of aggressive cancer. After being told he had only a few weeks to live, Don sought care at MD Anderson where he was blessed with a team that helped him beat the odds and enjoy over two more years of quality life. Throughout it all, he retained his great sense of humor, his love of travel, and his commitment to family.
Don always had an infectious laugh, a perpetually positive attitude, and a larger-than-life personality. Anyone who met him would instantly feel drawn to him. Don has touched and inspired many people, including his doctors and caregivers, even in his last days. In fact, his last words were, “Fight back.”
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Clelie Busha; and his brother, Frederick Busha, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Enola Byrd Busha; children, Ainsley Busha Freshour (R. Tyler Freshour), Donald Anton Busha II and Austin Frederick Busha; grandchildren, Eliana Freshour, Lillian Busha, N. Teague Freshour; sister, Janet Busha Dressler (Gary Dressler); nephews, Chad Busha and Alexander Dressler.
A visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday, October 29, 2012 from 10 a.m. to noon at Lakelawn. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon in the chapel. Interment will be at Metairie Cemetery. Lakelawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., is in charge of arrangements. An online photo gallery of Don’s life and sharing of memories and photos can be found at www.lakelawnmetairie.com/obituaries.
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1951 - 2012 (61 years)
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