Leland Ray Busbee

Leland Ray Busbee, 85, of Golinda, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025. Born on June 14, 1940, to Ray and Thelma Busbee in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Leland lived a life marked by dedication, adventure, and a profound love for his family.

Leland proudly served his country for four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Independence. It was during this time that he honed his skills as an air traffic controller, a career he pursued with commitment for 31 years until his retirement.

After retiring, Leland embraced a life of travel and exploration alongside his beloved wife, Barbara, with whom he shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. They crisscrossed the country in their RV, creating lasting memories, and cherished their 19 cruises together.

A gifted storyteller and writer, Leland also had a gift and passion for music. He found great joy in playing his guitar and was a proud member of the Texas Trailblazers group, bringing smiles and music to residents of nursing homes.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Thelma, and siblings Louis, Lawrence, Leslie, Doris, and Loren.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Barbara Souder Busbee; his children, Archie (Judy) Busbee and Lorene (John) Lindsey; his cherished grandchildren, Hunter (Tara) Busbee, Kristina (Kory) McKay, and Maddie Busbee; and his adored great-grandchildren, Emberlei, McKenna, Adalinn, and Declan Busbee; and his beloved sister Sandra Porter (Rick) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Leland's friendliness, his captivating stories, and his unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He'll always be remembered for his love of people – he truly never met a stranger. His natural curiosity and genuine interest in others' lives left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Just two months before his passing, Leland was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). Lewy Body Dementia is a progressive neurological disease for which there is currently no prevention or cure. It takes you away bit by bit by damaging areas of the brain that affect mental capabilities, behavior, movement and sleep. It starts with fluctuating cognitive abilities, Parkinsonism and disruptions to the autonomic nervous system. It causes hallucinations, depression and severe anxiety leading to dramatic changes in mood and behavior. Gradually all communication, movement and connections are lost. It is a brutal disease.

After diagnosis, his family ensured he received the comfort and support of hospice care. In his final weeks, he moved in with his daughter in Rosenberg, TX, who, along with other family members, lovingly cared for him around the clock until his very last moment, surrounding him as he peacefully slipped away. His gentle passing was a tender answer to his wife’s fervent prayers.

His family finds comfort in the memory of his long, full, and inspiring life, and they are deeply proud of his unwavering devotion to both his loved ones and to helping others. They are committed to carrying forward his legacy — one defined by his deep love for family, his pride in his accomplishments, his unmistakable joy in a pure 100% all-beef hot dog, and his unforgettable signature phrases: “Man alive,” “Mighty fine,” and “What a Guy.”

But above all, Leland’s greatest legacy was his fierce and boundless love for his family. He never missed a chance to let them know how much they meant to him — and that love will live on in every life he touched.

Family goodbyes will be private, in keeping with Leland’s wishes. Leland will be laid to rest in Annetta Cemetery in Aledo, Texas.

Condolences may be sent to Barbara Busbee at 1713 Wimberly Hollow Lane, Rosenberg, TX 77471.