Warren Bussey

Mr. Warren Bussey

November 21, 1913 – May 9, 2022

Warren Bussey was born on November 21,1913, to the parents of Samuel Milton Bussey Sr. and Lona Garrett-Bussey, in a small town called Bobo, Texas. One of twelve (12) children, Warren knew too well the benefits of hard work. His parents were farmers, and all the children were required to help farm the fields. Growing up with limited resources, Warren and his siblings, when not working, entertained themselves by playing stick ball and other outdoors games they created. After working on the family farm, Warren went to work at the Works Progress Administration for two years. He then went to work at the Caught Cotton Compress during the fall seasons. Once the Caught Cotton Compress closed, Warren moved from Bobo to Beaumont, Texas.  There he got a job in a ladies’ dress shop for about two years. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Warren then joined the United States Army in 1942 (WWII).

Upon competing basic training, Warren was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Segregation of barracks, dining quarters, training facilities and recreational areas placed the black soldiers at a major disadvantage. Earning the rank of Private First Class, Warren became a rifle instructor to black soldiers. They were forced to train in serve weather conditions without proper clothing and equipment and as a result many of his fellow soldiers died from severe frostbite. Warren also experienced severe frost bite injuries and was transferred to Victorville, CA where he stayed in the hospital for several months recuperating from his injuries. He received an honorable discharge from the US Army in 1946. 

After leaving the Army, Warren lived with his brother, Melvin Bussey, who was living in the city of Fullerton, CA. His brother soon introduced him to a young lady by the name of Mamie Eva (aka “Jimmie”) Jackson and within a few months of dating they were united in holy matrimony on November 16, 1946.

Warren started “Bussey’s Maintenance Service” in  the mid-forties. He and his wife started several other different businesses also (i.e., Jimmie’s Soul Food Café, a shoeshine business, and a furniture upholstery business).

 Warren and Jimmie moved to Santa Ana and acquired their first home at 1415 West 1st Street. They obtained a 25-year mortgage on this home, but they worked hard, making many sacrifices and paid it off in only “six years”. What an example and an accomplishment!

Warren has always been involved within the community, serving a mentor to other African Americans who desired to own their own businesses.  He participated in the early days of the Santa Ana Black History Parade, he was a charter member of the Wiley L. Kimbrough #91 Masonic Lodge and Samuel M. Beane #80 Eastern Stars both of Santa Ana.  In addition, he was a 50+ year member of the American Legions Post #131 and a member of the Lillard G. Dandridge Commanders of the Rite Orient of California.  Lastly, he was a member in good standing at Calvary Baptist Church until it was dissolved and then he joined Greater Light Family Church of Santa Ana, where he was a member and honorary Deacon, until his passing.

Being a pillar in the community, Warren has received several awards, proclamations, local, state, and national achievement letters. Everyone who grew up in Santa Ana or migrated there seemed to know Mr. Bussey. He was a” giant’ of a man and a “giant” within the community.

When asked his secret to a long life, Warren would reply faith in God, hard work, and “soul food”.

Cherishing the memories of his 108 years of life, are his youngest sister, Tilda Mae Bussey-Holman; Godchildren: Linda Harrell, Raymond Harrell, Oscar Harrell Jr., Ronnie Harrell and Norman Harrell; a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Good friends: Lonnie Whitaker, Joe McDade, Gloria Shanks, Denis Harris, the Brothers of Wiley L. Kimbrough #91 Masonic Lodge, former Brothers and Sisters of Samuel Beane M. Order #80 of the Eastern Stars, Brothers of Lillard G. Dandridge Commanders of the Rite Orient of California, members of Greater Light Family Church, and a community of friends throughout Southern California. He will be greatly missed by all.

Preceding him in death were his parents Samuel Milton Sr. and Lona Bussey; wife, Mamie Eva “Jimmie” Bussey; brothers, MC Bussey, Odell Bussey, Melvin Bussey, Calvin Bussey, Samuel Milton Bussey Jr., Thomas Jefferson Bussey, William Bussey; sisters, Maudell Bussey-Powdrill, Evie Lee Bussey-Curry, Adie B. Bussey, other family members and his good friend for many years, Louise Freeman. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Warren Bussey, please visit our floral store.