Richard Howard "Dick" Busby, Sr., 84, of Center, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Nacogdoches Medical Center. He was born July 8, 1924 to Alex Richard Busby and Allie Belle Hickey Busby. Richard was born in Garrison and was raised in Hallsville. He was a seventh generation Texan, member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149, and the First Baptist Church of Center. He moved to Center in 1959 and worked for United Gas Company before starting his own business, Busby Heating & Air Conditioning, which he owned and operated with his son for over forty years.

Richard joined the U.S. Army in 1942, at the beginning of World War II. He was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Special Forces division, which was an elite fighting group that later became known as the Rangers. Richard was involved in several major battles of World War II, including D-day and The Battle of the Bulge. He was also awarded several medals including; Bronze Star, Expert Marksman, American Campaign, EAME Campaign, World War II Victory and a Purple Heart.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, April 23rd at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, April 24th at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Carl Smith and Rev. Michael Hale officiating. Graveside services will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park under the direction of the VFW Post #8904.

Richard is survived by:

Wife of 65 years, Relda Jeanette "Jane" Busby of Center

Children:
Mary Kathleen Busby Smith & husband H.G. Jr. of Dallas
Jacqueline Ann Busby Cochran & husband Gregg of Austin
Richard Howard Busby, Jr. & wife Jolene Ruth of Center
Joyce Yancy Cawthorn & husband Roy E. III of Corsicana

Grandchildren:
H.G. Smith, III, Michael Ryan McClain, Jennifer Windham, Mary Elaine Brackin, Richard Howard Busby, III, Byron E. McDonald, Timothy P. Yancy, Thomas O. Cawthorn and Austin S. Yancy.

Great Grandchildren:
Nicholas Windham, Rhiannon Windham and Christopher McDonald

Sisters:
Alyne Harrell of Holly Lake Ranch
Faylene Mackey & husband Tom of Hallsville

Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.