Robert Douglas Bush, Sr.

Robbie was a man defined by his remarkable abilities and an unwavering work ethic that never quite knew when to quit — much like Robbie himself. He possessed an extraordinary gift for taking things apart to understand how they worked, and an almost-as-extraordinary gift for putting them back together. Almost. Family legend holds that if you handed him something working, there was a genuine 50/50 chance you'd get it back in pieces — but give him until dinner, and nine times out of ten it would be running better than before.

 Whether it was computers, electronics, Kelly's MGB, any one of the cars that Shelly had been cheerfully ignoring the warning lights on, the Tacoma Truck that Bobby absolutely was not getting rid of, home repairs, or any number of hands-on projects that appeared out of nowhere on a Saturday morning — his hands were constantly busy and his mind always locked onto the next problem to solve.

For over 25 years, Robbie worked with pride and dedication in the melt shop at SMI Steel (formerly Owen's Steel), where his strength, reliability, and technical skill were well known and deeply respected. His commitment to hard work didn't clock out when his shift ended. He was the person family called when they needed a house remodeled, a tree taken down, or a car fixed — preferably before it became a hazard. He showed his love and care through action, not words. If Robbie showed up with his tools, that was his version of a long hug.

His greatest loyalties were to his family and his devoted dog, Bella, who was his constant companion and, by all accounts, the one who always thought he was doing a great job. Before his wife Betty's passing, he cared for her through the practical, steady, daily acts of devotion that only deep and long-term love can motivate.

Robbie was predeceased by his parents, Louise and Neville Bush; his wife, Betty Bush; his sisters' husband, Jim Cocke; and his brother, Ronnie's wife, Pat Bush.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughters, Kelly Bush Lyday and her husband, Michael Lyday, and Shelly Rollison and her husband, Matt Rollison; his son, Bobby Bush; his sisters, Becky Cocke and Barbara Greenwaldt; and his brothers, Ricky, Larry, Ronnie, and Mikey Bush. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Linda, Tory, Aidan, and Zach.

He will be remembered for what he could fix, the years he put in at the melt shop, and the countless times he showed up — sleeves already rolled up — for the people he loved. His legacy lives on in the things he built, repaired, and maintained: tangible, lasting proof of a life spent working hard and caring deeply.

A celebration of Robbie's life will be held 9am Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Celestial Memorial Gardens with family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a local animal shelter in Bella's honor, or to a trade school or workforce development program — causes that reflect the skilled, working life he lived and the values he passed on. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family.

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