Larry Wayne Bussey

Mr. Larry Wayne Bussey, 78, of Tifton, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Tift Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A. M., Friday, September 16, 2022 at Brighton Road Baptist Church with Rev. Jody Jordan and Dr. Clark Harden officiating. Interment will follow at Oakridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 15, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Albritton Funeral Directors.

Mr. Bussey’s grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. His former colleagues and students as well as Tin Roof CrossFit members will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Mr. Bussey was born June 23, 1944 in Troup County to the late Wayne Deward Bussey and Christine Self Bussey.

Mr. Bussey graduated from Hogansville High School in 1962 and Norman Junior College in 1967 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. He later graduated with his Master’s degree in secondary education from Lagrange College. Mr. Bussey began his teaching career at Heard County High School in 1968. He later taught at East Coweta High School, Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, and Marietta High School before coming to Tift County High School in 1981. After his retirement from TCHS in 1999, Mr. Bussey taught at Tiftarea Academy, Crisp Academy, and Chess Academy. His career also included teaching at Abraham Baldwin College, Moultrie Technical College, and the Governor’s Honors Program. During his teaching career, Mr. Bussey received many outstanding awards including Star Teacher, Teacher of the Year, and Georgia’s State Teacher of the Year (1989). Teaching was his passion and he touched many lives through this gift.

Mr. Bussey was an avid reader. He enjoyed being in one act plays and was a huge Atlanta Braves fan. He was also a member of Brighton Road Baptist Church where he faithfully played the piano. Mr. Bussey was known for his wit and sarcasim and love of the written word. Above all, he loved to spoil his grandchildren.

Mr. Bussey is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Betty Elaine Bussey. He is survived by one son and two daughters, Seth Bussey (Susan) of Rock Spring, GA, Miriam Jordan (Jody) of Colquitt County, GA, Joanna Hand (Brian) of Tifton, GA; One sister and one brother, Judy Lunsford (John) of Jasper, GA, Randy Bussey (Brenda) of Jonesboro, GA; six grandchildren Luke Bussey, Cecil Bussey, Hannah Vickery (Matt), Josiah Jordan, Macy Hand, and Logan Hand and many special nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, there is a FINAL ASSIGNMENT DUE. To honor Mr. Bussey’s legacy and dedication to education, we are asking all those whose lives he touched to take part in this assignment. The family would like for you to help us by writing down your memories, thoughts, favorite moments in class, outstanding literary pieces, competitions, trips, and other ways he made a difference in your lives as a teacher and as a friend. The family also welcomes any photographs you may have with him. Please turn in your assignment at the visitation or funeral or via email to his daughter Miriam Jordan, auntiemimi62@yahoo.com. These memories will be published and bound as his final piece of written work. Donations can also be made to Brighton Road Baptist Church, PO Box 1568, Tifton GA, 31793 in memory of Mr. Bussey.

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.