Ethan Cleo Busby

Ethan C. Busby, born May 22, 1931 to Calvin & Thelma Morrow Busby in Stanford, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2017. He was a life time resident of Paragould and was owner of Greene Co. Abstract Insurance & Appraisal Co. Ethan was known in Paragould as “the runner”, as most mornings at 5:00am you could find him running the streets of Paragould. In a Daily Press interview at age 70, his record books showed he had run 50,000 miles & 41 marathons, including the Boston Marathon three times and once in the Dublin Ireland Marathon. His most treasured award was being inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. He served his community as President of the Paragould Exchange Club, was a member of the Paragould Board of Realtors, and served as a deacon at 7th & Mueller Church of Christ. He was President of the AR-LA District Exchange and elected as Exchangite of the Year twice. Ethan was an original member of the Paragould Country Music Makers. He also volunteered playing music and singing at Greene Acres Nursing Home, as well as playing at the B.E.E.S. Senior Citizen Center.

Ethan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bettye Busby. At the time of their marriage, Bettye was a 29 yr. old widow with 3 children & Ethan was a single father with 3 children. Together they raised 6 children. Ethan was preceded in death by one son, Ethan “Randy” Busby; 5 brothers, John Calvin, Bill, Warren, Leo, and Eugene; and parents, Calvin & Thelma Busby. Ethan is survived by one brother, Lindy Busby of Benton, AR; 5 children, Sandra Busby of Benton, Brenda (Keith) Barker of Little Rock, Clarence (Sharon) Overbay of Jonesboro, Omer (Paula) Overbay of Paragould, and Lea Ann (Dan) Vanaman Stidham of Paragould; 16 grandchildren; & 14 great grandchildren.

Visitation is Sunday from 1-3 pm at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral begins at 3pm with Larry McFadden officiating. Burial will be in Morrow Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the B.E.E.S. Senior Citizens or Paragould Children’s Home Inc.