Dustin Robert Bushey

1974-2024

Dustin Robert Bushey, 49, of Opelika, AL, passed on to be with the Lord Feb. 12, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Dustin was born on Oct. 3, 1974, in Tampa, FL, and moved with his family to Alabama in 1976. He spent his childhood in Hurtsboro, AL, and attended several schools including Macon Academy and Lee-Scott Academy. After high school, he moved to Auburn and worked in various restaurants with a passion for creating gourmet foods. Eventually Dustin worked with his brother, Aaron, in their retail collectibles business, first in Auburn then Opelika.

Dustin married Lydia Petrenas-Mann in 2014, and they were blessed with the birth of a son, Walter Whit Bushey, in 2019.

Dustin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Emily and Robert Bushey and maternal grandparents, Walter and Hedwig Mann who he affectionately called Ma and Pa.

He is survived by his wife, Lydia; son, Walter; father, Dennis D. Bushey and stepmother, Lisa; his mother, Cheryl Mann Hardin and stepfather, John (Bill) Hardin; his brothers, Aaron Bushey (Wendy), John Hardin Jr. (Heather) and Christopher Bushey (Amber) and many other extended family members.

Dustin's greatest attribute was his ability to make and stay in touch with friends throughout his life. He was known for his compassionate, selfless personality and ability to nurture and counsel others. He enjoyed eating large amounts of junk food, snake hunting, buying expensive aquarium fish that die immediately, spending time with his family, and last but not least, he enjoyed petting his cats.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Church of the Highlands, Auburn Campus, 2001 E. Samford Ave, on Friday, Feb. 16 at 2 pm with visitation from 1-1:45 pm at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to his GoFundMe page to benefit his son Walter or to a charity of your choice