Richard Bush

A Funeral Mass for Richard (Rick) Merle Bush, 75, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Ln, Columbia, with visitation one hour prior to the service and a rosary led at 6:40 p.m. The interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Celestial Memorial Gardens, 3111 Delree St, West Columbia, SC.

Rick passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born in Leechburg, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of the late Harold Merle Bush and Dorothy Zimmerman Bush. He was known for his skillful hands and his ability to fix almost anything. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1977 as a nuclear weapons specialist and was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York, a role that reflected his skill, discipline, and dedication. He was never without a project—or several—to keep him busy. He had a gift for automotive, construction, electrical work, and just about anything else that needed doing. He was far more comfortable with tools and engines than with smartphones. He had an enormous sense of humor, a gift he passed on to his children, who carry on his wit. When he was not tinkering and repairing things, Rick enjoyed relaxing on vacations to the beach and to Lake Lure, where he took in the mountain scenery. He also loved boating and bass fishing on Lake Murray. He had a deep interest in history and treasured the opportunity to visit Europe where he experienced many historic places firsthand. Most importantly, he was a devoted family man and a hero to those who loved him. Rick will always be remembered as an incredible man and the rock of his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Kathy Bush; his children, Lisa Sox, Robert Bush (Neda), Laura Bush, and Melissa Henry (Peter); his grandchildren, Christopher, Karina, Aiden, Mila, Liliana, Abigail, Monica, Zachary, and Blaise; numerous nieces and nephews; and his cherished rescue pets, Casper and Tabby.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Richard Bush, and his sister, Pat Bush Billig.