Lonnie Lynn Busby

Lonnie Lynn Busby, 73, of Dallas TX, formerly of Oil Trough, AR, died November 19, 2019 in Dallas, TX, following a long battle with a rare neurological disorder. He was born August 19, 1946 in Newport, AR.

Mr. Busby graduated from Oil Trough High School in 1964. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University in 1968, where he also received the designation of ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. He graduated with a Master of Healthcare Administration from Baylor University in 1976. He was a Diplomate in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

He joined the United States Army in 1968 and served in a variety of assignments in the United States and Germany, as well as a combat tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star and two Army Commendation Medals. He was honorably discharged in 1978 at the rank of Captain after completing his military obligation.

After leaving the military, Mr. Busby amassed over 30 years of domestic and international experience in senior level management positions in the healthcare industry. He worked as a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Board Member, management consultant, and entrepreneur. Prior to working as a consultant and entrepreneur, Mr. Busby worked at the executive level in hospitals located in Newport News, VA, Benton, AR and El Paso, TX. As President of the Midwestern Division for HCA Healthcare Corporation, he had responsibility of all operations within a three-state region encompassing Colorado, Arizona and Nebraska.

Mr. Busby was the consummate do-it-yourselfer. His projects ranged from home remodeling, deck building, and rebuilding an automobile engine to learning to play guitar. He was a lifelong Razorback fan; liked watching NASCAR races and attending auto shows. He also loved music, enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen Brackett Busby, of Dallas, TX; one daughter, Heather Busby and her fiancé, Christian Watkins, of Henderson Kentucky; a sister, Barbara Norris of Newark, AR; one brother, Richard (Rick) Busby, and wife Cyndi, of Augusta, GA; nephews Brandon Busby and wife Kimberly, of Augusta, GA; and Lucas Martin of Little Rock, AR; a sister-in-law, Deena Kelley of Houston, TX; and a niece, Becky Kelley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Lonnie L. and Fannie Mae Busby; a brother, Max Busby; and nephews Jonathan Busby and Aaron Martin; his father-in-law, Herbert C. Brackett, and mother-in-law, Veona Ramsey Brackett.

Services will be conducted at the White River Baptist Church in Oil Trough, AR on Thursday, Dec. 5. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM, with the memorial service to follow at 2:00 PM. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.

Memorial donations for maintenance of Hindman Cemetery may be made to Catherine W. Harris,680Departee Creek Lane, Thida, AR 72165.