Proctor Bush

Proctor Bush, 90, died Monday, March 23, 2026, at his home in Aiken SC. 

He was born in Glen Ridge, NJ, the son of Doris Proctor Bush and E. Alan Bush. He was predeceased by his mother and father and his wife Dora, who he always referred to as his “bride.” His two brothers, Gene, and Sherman and six sisters Joan Deming, Jacqueline Scanlan, Therese Martin, Janice Molzon, Mary Jane VanBrunt and Doris "Dabsie" Bush. He leaves his son Christopher and his wife Cristina from Cheraw SC and many nephews, nieces. 

He spent his early years in Red Bank, NJ and graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School and then went to Monmouth University and graduated with degree in psychology. Proctor began his career with G.D. Searle as a Pharmaceutical representative, worked for Amerada Hess as a sales representative, and then owned/operated his own business on Hilton Head Island for 19 years and sold it and began his retirement. 

Proctor never met a stranger; his word was his bond; honest as the day was long; but most of all detested a liar. 

He loved gardening and when his wife Dora saw an advertisement in the Hilton Head Island Packet for a new class forming to become a “Master Gardener”, he applied and was accepted. When they moved to Aiken, he went to the Extension Office in Aiken to transfer his Master Gardener certification from Beaufort County to Aiken County and was greeted by the Aiken County Agent, Suzanne Holmes. Suzanne mentioned that she needed someone in the Extension office to answer horticulture questions from Aiken County residents. 

Being a frustrated teacher, he jumped at the chance and began his second career for another 17 1/2 years in the Aiken Extension Office. He was the guest speaker at all, or almost all of the Garden Clubs and organizations in Aiken County. Most gratifying to him was that he was able to help a unknown person solve their specific landscape problem with the knowledge he provided.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC