Donald Hussey

Donald Ward Hussey, 80 of Roanoke, VA, passed away Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Salem Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born on February 17, 1930 in Nashville, TN, to the late Bradford & Ella Mae Hussey. Also preceding him in death Joan Bolley of Arcadia, CA. Don was an artist who studied at the Art Institute in Chicago. IL. During his career as a graphic artist, he was employed at the Southern Baptist Board in Nashville, TN, as well as Double Envelope & Associated Advertising in Roanoke in later years. He was also a free-lance artist. He painted landscapes in oils and water color, and with his wife Rose, painted backdrops for the Roanoke Ballet Theatre and a Bible stories mural for his church at West End UMC. His hobbies included photography, especially photos of old barns, and feeding his backyard birds. He loved his pets; cats & dogs, with his favorite, a little dog named Lucky. He also enjoyed reading and music, preferably jazz. Don was stationed at a Nike Army base in Poulsbo, WA while in the service in the 50s. He worked in the hobby shop, painted murals in the Officers club, etc. He and his family loved taking family trips, especially to Nashville and Holden Beach. Other trips were taken to Nova Scotia, Canada and New Orleans, LA. After marrying Rose in May of 1961, they drove to Nags Head, NC in Dons beloved TR-3 and spent their honeymoon. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rose; son, Eric Hussey & wife Susan of North Bend, WA; daughter, Heather Blassberg and husband Richard; grandchildren, Heather Renee Hussey, Robin, Spencer and Griffin Blassberg; great grandchildren, Shayna & Malina Rose Mena; sisters, Sue Toma and Edie Johnson of Nashville, TN; brother, George Hussey of Whites Creek, TN; uncle Edward Hussey of New York City; aunt, Margie Chandler of Nashville, TN and a brother-in-law, Deane Abbott of Salem. Many nieces, nephews and friends also survive. Funeral Services will be conducted Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 1pm, at the West End United Methodist Church, Roanoke with Pastor David Tanner officiating. Internment will follow at the East Hill Cemetery, Salem. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Services are assisting the Hussey family. (540) 389-5441