Charles Richard "Dick" Bush

September 9, 1938 - February 24, 2021

Charles Richard “Dick” Bush, Sr., age 82, of Starke, Florida, passed away at the Rehab Center of Lake City, on February 24, 2021, following a brief illness. A native of Florida, Dick played football for the University of Florida Gators. He was the founder, owner and operator of Bush Nursery in Palatka, FL, for 25 years. Dick then worked 30 years as an arborist for the Department of Transportation as the Director of Florida’s beautification project, overseeing the Wildflower Program. In his early years, he enjoyed cultivating wildflowers in his homes throughout the local area. Dick was also passionate about fishing, traveling and, above all, his family. More than anything, he was a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Henrietta Bush, of Federal Point. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jane Canova Bush of Starke; sons, Charles Richard “Rick” Bush, Jr., and his wife, Joyce, of Spotsylvania, VA and Roan Canova Bush, of Savannah, GA; and his beloved grandchildren, Charles Richard Bush, and his wife, Erika, and Garrett Glenn Bush, and his wife, Lauryn. Dick was very excited about becoming a great-grandfather to his expected great-granddaughter. A private burial will be held. Even as his wildflowers have brightened the Florida highways, so did Dick brighten up the lives of all those who loved him. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.