Walter P. Bussart

Walter P. Bussart died on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. He was born in Etowah, TN on February 13, 1918, to Christopher P. and Josephine Linette Bussart. He attended schools in Etowah, and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1942 with a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering.

He joined Eastman in Oak Ridge in 1943. After the war he held various sales and marketing positions with Eastman Chemical Products, Inc., first in St. Louis and later in Kingsport, including General Manager of the International Division and Vice President. He retired in 1981.

Walter was active in various trade associations serving several terms on the Executive Committee of the Plastic Pipe Institute and was the Director, Executive Committee and National Treasurer of the Society of Plastics Industries, Inc. After retirement he joined the International Executive Service Corps and with his wife, served a three month volunteer business assignment in Harare, Zimbabwe. Later he served as a volunteer recruiter for that organization. He was also a member of the Plastics Pioneers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Elizabeth Johnston Bussart in 1956; his second wife, Elizabeth W. Bussart in 2008; grandson, Scott Shearer; brother, Leo Bussart; and two infant sisters.

Walter is survived by sons, Dr. Robert J. Shearer and wife, Barbara of Etowah, TN, and James C. Bussart and wife, Deborah of Marietta, GA; daughter, Sarah Bussart Rumsey and husband, Michael of Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, Tim Bussart of Marietta, GA, Kathy Shearer of Etowah, TN, Suzanne Bussart LaForgia and husband, Jesse of Frisco, TX, and Ben Rumsey of Murfreesboro, TN; sister, Louise (Cissy) McMillen of Knoxville, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 3-5:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 pm in Green Hill Cemetery in Etowah, TN with Rev. Sam Melton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the organizations of the donor's choice.

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