Bush couple ‘set the standard’ for neighborhood friends

As she prepared for the move to her marital home, Faye Bush experienced the anticipation and anxiety common to newlyweds. Relocating to Trussville’s Hawkridge subdivision would require the Sylacauga native to live away from family for the first time. 

“At 84 years old, I was the new kid on the block. It was really scary moving away from my kids and not knowing people here,” she said. 

A mutual friend introduced her to her groom, but they didn’t anticipate the two to be married shortly thereafter. 

Faye’s husband, EW Bush, also hails from the Sylacauga area, though the two never met. With special permission to graduate early, EW enlisted in 1943 in what is now the Air Force. After serving in World War II, Vietnam and the Korean War, he didn’t return to Sylacauga for residency, living instead on bases around the country. 

In sharing their personal experiences with one another, the couple discovered several times where their paths nearly crossed. 

For example, the farm where EW grew up abutted the farm of Faye’s grandparents, separated by only a creek. In another similar conversation, the couple realized they both had an “Uncle Walter.” After a bit of probing, they realized EW’s grandmother and Faye’s grandmother were siblings. 

Faye offered a wink as she said, “Turns out, we’re kissing cousins. Who knew?”

Faye didn’t need to be worried about finding friends when she relocated to Trussville. She and neighbor Ora Parr found a connection that both women describe as “instant.” Faye describes Parr as “my sister, my mom and my friend all rolled into one.” 

Parr said, “EW and Faye just can’t do enough for the rest of us. Faye is always baking pound cakes and pecan pies. They’re both just so, so kind.” 

Zach Hester lives across the street from the Bushes, with his wife Cathryn and their two boys. Hester recalls meeting the couple upon his own family’s move-in day. “The day we moved in, Mr. EW and his wife Faye were the first ones to greet us. They met us in the yard before we could even get inside the house, so it was quickly apparent what a friendly neighborhood this is,” Hester said. 

EW’s tales from his military service are appreciated throughout Hawkridge as much as they are by his wife. 

“I enjoy history and WWII and the Korean War specifically. So it’s always interesting for me when I get to talk to Mr. EW and hear about some of the equipment he flew and hear some of his stories,” Hester said.

George Harding, another neighbor and friend, learned that EW had never had a birthday party and coordinated efforts for a celebration of the veteran’s 92nd birthday. The cake’s focal point was a B-42 bomber that EW flew in service. 

“That party that George pulled together was so special,” EW said. “We had so many people here. They came in and thanked me for my service and wished me happy birthday. It sure was something.” 

The Bush residence is situated prominently on a corner lot and the couple have always given meticulous attention to their lawn and garden. 

When their mobility began to deteriorate, Harding posted a spreadsheet on the neighborhood’s Facebook page allowing residents to sign up to assist with the Bushes’ lawn care. 

Inspired to repay the valuable friendship she found in the Bushes, Krista Doss participates in the lawn care rotation even though she no longer lives in Hawkridge. 

“Faye had such a beautiful garden and she would share tips and give me plants. They are just one-of-a-kind people. They’re so loving and generous,” Doss said.

As the neighbors pull together to offer the Bushes drives to lunch at Cracker Barrel, assistance decorating for the holidays, yard work and more, Faye always expresses gratitude by offering a slice of her coveted pound cakes. 

Kay Sprayberry, Faye’s daughter, said, “Mother loves caring for other people. It’s what she does and she truly enjoys it. She’s done it all her life and now it’s time to sit back and enjoy it and let someone do for them. We’re just really grateful for the great neighborhood with everyone pulling together to help them.”

Whether through gardening tips, pound cakes or history lessons from a war hero, the Bushes have found multiple ways to create connections with those near them around them. 

As Parr said, “EW and Faye really set the standard for the neighborhood. They are an inspiration and we really do all look out for each other.”