It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Gerald LaVerne Busby, a humble yet charismatic soul, who left us on June 14, 2024.
Born in Niles, Michigan, on September 26, 1959, Gerald’s life was a beautiful melody that resonated through the hearts of everyone he met. Raised in Buchanan, Michigan, and later residing in Lansing, he was a beacon of resilience and talent that shone brightly in every endeavor he undertook. Gerald’s charismatic personality was only surpassed by his passion for education and sports. He was a talented educator, who devoted a significant part of his life to nurturing young minds. His love for sports was equally profound, his name resounding in the halls of Michigan basketball history. Gerald, along with his brother Michael, led the Buchanan Highschool Men’s Basketball State Championship teams to victory in 1976 and 1978. His talent did not go unrecognized as he was named Michigan Player of the Year, became a member of the McDonald’s All American Team, and was inducted into the Buchanan Highschool Hall of Fame and Ferris State University Athletic Hall of Fame. His accomplishments on the court are a testament to the tenacity and talent that Gerald exhibited. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world,” and Gerald was a living testament to this truth. Off the court, Gerald was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His love for his family was radiant, and he found joy in the simple moments shared with his beloved wife Laurie, his children Gerald II, Jacey, and Jordyn, and his treasured grandson Aiden. He is also survived by his siblings Deborah, James, Michael and his wife Lisa, and Ervin Jr. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin Sr. and Willie Busby. Gerald’s legacy will not be defined by his accolades, but by his humble nature, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his unwavering love for his family and friends. He was a loving soul who left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was not just an educator, sportsman, or music enthusiast, but a man with an unyielding spirit and an unforgettable smile.
The visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 5:00 pm EDT at the Buchanan Highschool Auxiliary Gym, 401 West Chicago, Buchanan, Michigan, 49107.
The funeral will be conducted on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 3:00 pm EDT at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1107 North Redbud Trail, Buchanan, Michigan, 49107.
As we bid farewell to this extraordinary man, we encourage you to share your memories and photos of Gerald on the memorial page. Let us remember and celebrate his life together, for he has left an indelible mark on all our hearts.
Posted On: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 1:11 PM
