Obituary: Phillip Bush

Phillip Bush passed away on Feb. 11, 2026.

He was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Nov. 24, 1929, to Pauline (Brody) and Roy Bush. Raised during the Depression, his childhood was enriched by his Yiddish-speaking synagogue congregation and by the community that frequented his parents’ grocery store (where young Phillip was known to help himself to lots of candy).

Phillip earned a degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, completed the Army ROTC program, and was commissioned as a Second Lt. in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He loved to tell and retell wonderful and colorful stories of the time he was stationed in Japan.

After serving, Phillip moved to Atlanta and lived the “bachelor life” for many years until he befriended, then married, Doris Hecht. They were happily married for 64 years. Together, they raised their children, Leonard and Janet. The family of four enjoyed life together, supporting each other with loving kindness.

Phillip played tennis weekly well into his 60’s and continued to be a fan of the sport throughout his life up through this January’s Australian Open.
Phillip began and ended his professional career at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta for nearly 50 years. He retired as the CFO of the organization before returning to consult when they needed his expertise a few years later.

Phillip was a devoted son and spent endless time helping and supporting his mother, Pauline. He was also a loving grandfather. Doris and Phillip would drive to Raleigh and Minneapolis on a regular basis to visit their grandsons.

After living in the same home on Cherrywood Lane in Atlanta for over 50 years, Phillip and Doris moved to Waltonwood Lake Boone in Raleigh. Phillip was very active in the Raleigh and Waltonwood community, surprising everyone that he was in his 90’s.

Phillip was loved by many and will be missed terribly.  He is survived by his wife Doris Bush, children, Leonard Bush, and his wife, Amy Bush of Raleigh, Janet Bush and her wife, René Tripeny of Minneapolis, grandchildren, Adam, Michael, Joshua, and Jonah and cherished extended family.

Phillip was preceded in death by parents, Roy and Pauline, and brothers, Mitchell and Gerald.

Contributions in Phillip’s memory can be made to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta or a charity of one’s choice.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on Millbrook Road in Raleigh with interment at The Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery on State Street.