Francis Willson Bush, Jr.

Francis (Frank) Willson Bush Jr, 81, of Frederick, MD passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at home. He was married to Melony Bush for 26 years as of May 22nd.

Born on August 27, 1943, in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of Francis Willson Bush Sr. and Marian Estelle (Barry) Bush.

Frank joined the Navy upon graduating from Prospect Hall High School. He returned to Frederick and began training to become an optician. He opened his own business in Woodsboro which operated as Bush Opticians for over 35 years.

He was a member of the Glen W, Eyler Post 282 in Woodsboro for 52 years where he served as Finance Officer for many years. He was a past member of the Board of Directors of Woodsboro Bank serving as Secretary / Treasurer. He was the first and only Treasurer of the Woodsboro Medical Center Board of Directors and the only remaining founding member of that organization. The Frederick Elks Lodge 684 recognized him in August as one of the last remaining members with 60 plus years of membership.

Frank loved the water and enjoyed any activity that was associated with it, He taught his 9 grandchildren to boogie board, kayak, body surf and love the beach as much as he did. He was a hands-on Grampy who played games, built with Legos, assembled model cars, and rarely said NO. In addition to his family, he enjoyed riding his Gold Wing and driving his convertible.

In addition to Melony, Frank is survived by his brother Jerry and wife Kim, sister Joan Gatrell, daughter Carol Tressler and husband Howard Sparkman, daughter Lori Brunner and fiancé Danny Buffington, stepsons Billy Strine and Jimmy Strine and wife Brandy. He will be missed by his grandchildren who include Haley Gevezovski and husband Evgeni, Devon Brunner, Ry Brunner, Dale Tressler, David Tressler, Lilly Strine, Zoe Strine and great grandchildren Austin Dozier and Peyton Tressler. He was Uncle Bunk to many nieces and nephews.

He was the most non-judgmental person and met everyone where they were. He rarely criticized anyone but when he did it was more than justified. He was kind, soft-spoken and let his family know how much he loved them, not just by words but by deeds. His 20-year fight against cancer was a remarkable feat of physical and mental endurance. Chemotherapy at 62 and a stem cell transplant at 66 did not break him. Indeed, he rose from the ashes like a Phoenix. His last three years were difficult, but he continued to live life as best he could, spending as much time as possible with family. The last days of his life were spent “attending his own wake”. He received and spoke with family and friends in person and remotely. Their outpouring of love comforted him. His was a peaceful and joyful resignation to the inevitable end of life. He did not fear it. “Home is the sailor, home from the sea…..”

The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A. (Walk), 40 Fulton Avenue in Walkersville, MD.

A celebration of Francis's life journey will take place at 2 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., Walkersville. Rev. Dahl Drenning will officiate. Interment will be private.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers please donate in Frank’s memory to Frederick Health Hospice who provided such kind and gentle care to him.