Columbus Madison (C. M.) Bussell went to be with his Lord on March 4, 2024, after an extended illness. C. M. was born on September 3, 1922 in Soperton, GA to the late Henry Newton Bussell, Sr. and the late Elzie Ann Underwood Bussell.

At age eighteen, C. M. joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) out of Millen, GA. He was later drafted into the United States Army, serving his country in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. At the age of nineteen, on November 2, 1941, he married his beloved wife of fifty-four years, Bertha Johnson Bussell.

C. M. was a hard worker. He studied diligently to become a plumber, electrician, and pipefitter, all while working on his farm. He was able to make a good living as a pipefitter and farmer and provided well for his family of eight, including his wife, five children, and his mother-in-law. Even with a large family of his own, C. M. would generously help others in the community in their times of need. He also actively served as a member of several organizations, including the Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 150 in Augusta, Georgia, and the Georgia Farm Bureau.

C. M. was devoted to studying the Bible. One could ask him where a certain verse or topic could be located in the Bible, and he could direct them without hesitation. In later years, despite being legally blind and hearing impaired, C. M. remained diligent in his Bible studies by listening to an audio Bible aided by an amplification headset. C. M. was a gifted musician. Although he was unable to read music, he could pick up any instrument and in no time belt out one of his favorite gospel hymns. He loved to dance and sing and was always humming along some sort of tune. At age 101, C. M.'s mind remained sharp as a tack. He prided himself on recalling the birthdates of his children, eleven grandchildren, and most of his great-grandchildren.

C. M. was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and all his siblings: Henry Newton Bussell, Jr., Harvey Bussell, Mary Lizzie Jones, Ovie Duncan, Ray Bussell, Robert Bussell, Hubert Bussell, Hattie Stephens, Addie Caraway, Shelly Johnson, Lillian Sumner, Bonnie Bell Meeks, and Ora Lee Wynn.

C. M. is survived by his children, Scarlett Pugh (Jerry) of Roanoke, Virginia, John W. Bussell (Deborah) of Garfield, David M. Bussell (Jeanette) of Jarratt, Virginia, Sherrie Johnson (Raiford) of Garfield, and Shelia Brown (Jim) of Garfield; grandchildren, Stacey Waddell (Bruce), Amy Pugh, Daniel Bussell (Mary Ann), Stephanie Dickens (Jason), Erin Gatliff (Rob), Brandi Safranca (Johnny), Kelly Thornton (Sean), Amanda Dudley (Chris), Jo'elle Yarbrough (Paul), Sarah Jones (Brandon), and Johnna Stringer (Ricky); twenty-one great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Affectionately known as PaPa, C. M. leaves behind a legacy that will be forever cherished by all who were blessed to know and love him.

A graveside service will be conducted in his honor at Hebron Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Garfield on Friday, March 8 at 3:00 pm. The Reverend Franklin Sasser will officiate.

The pallbearers will be grandson, Daniel Bussell, and great-grandsons, Scott Bussell, Jake Dickens, Luke Dickens, JR Dickens, Evan Bussell, Eason Dailey, and Will Yarbrough. Honorary pallbearers will be great-grandchildren.

Crowe-Fields Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.