Jack Donald Bluster

Jack Donald Bluster of Duluth, Georgia, and formerly of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away the morning of October 31st, surrounded by his loving family. A service of worship celebrating his life will be held Saturday, November 16th, at 11:00 a.m. at Duluth First United Methodist Church, 3208 Duluth Hwy. 120 in Duluth, Georgia. The family may be greeted immediately following the service at a reception in the Dorothy L. Rainey Fellowship Hall.

Jack was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, on December 2, 1931, to Floyd Adolphus and Mary Ellen Tippett Bluster. The youngest of five, he grew up in a small mill village where everybody knew everybody, fostering his early love of people and community. Affectionally known as “Jackie,” he met the love of his life, Betty Ann Burton, in his hometown, and they celebrated 73 years of marriage together.

Jack initially followed in his father’s footsteps, working in the local cotton mills, until he and Betty decided to explore a different life and relocated to Duluth, Georgia. There, Jack worked for a commercial building supplier, Maxwell and Hitchcock. Over the years, his peers and business community gave Jack many accolades and awards, but he most treasured the sincere appreciation of his customers.

His love for people and community manifested in many ways during his 50-plus years in Duluth. He served as an usher at Duluth First United Methodist Church, where he was a faithful member for over five decades. He joined many civic groups, raising money for charities and community needs. After his retirement, he worked in several local schools, providing humor and fatherly care for the children there. He will always be remembered for his annual Christmas Eve Delivery of cakes and fruit baskets to those who needed an extra touch of joy that day...and the many grandchildren who accompanied him!

His most endearing attribute was his gift of humor and storytelling! Whether swapping stories with his friends at the local Rexall or a brief encounter with a stranger, he had a way of generating a little chuckle or an out right belly laugh. He treated all with deep respect regardless of race or social standing and no one escaped his attention. His kindness for and influence on his community are far reaching.

Family was most important to Jack. His three children, Deb, Don, and Beth, gave him and Betty eight grandchildren and 17—soon to be 18—great-grandchildren! Each of them has been profoundly blessed by his constant love, encouragement, and jovial affection...as well as the abundance of suckers that he always kept in his pockets!

Jack’s family and community will deeply miss him. Memories of him will provoke a smile for years to come—a true indication of a life lived well. In his final years not a day went by without him acknowledging how God had blessed him!

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his siblings; Elleene Moss (Clarence), Rebecca Harris (L.F.), John Bluster (Nettie) and Robert Bluster (Debbie); his sister-in-laws Barbara Brady and Joyce Chandler (Edwin); and his brother-in-law Benjamin Burton.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Burton Bluster; his daughter Debra Jackson (Troyce) of Duluth, Georgia; his son, Don Bluster (Denise) of Clarkesville, Georgia; and his daughter Beth Bluster-Hollstein (Kip) of Duluth, Georgia. Grandchildren: Leslie Orsini (David), April Akridge (Chris), Hailey Burns (Andy), Abby Jackson (Colin Lyles), Emily Youssef (Joshua), Meredith Williams (Rob), Miller Hollstein (Kristina), and Parker Hollstein. Great grandchildren: Jude and Colette Orsini; Eli, Ty, Jack and Clay Akridge; Reese and Tate Burns; Juliet Lyles; Ella, Annie, Shep, Finn, and Tru Youssef; and Dayton, George, and Eloise Williams; and also by brother-in-law James Brady and sister-in-law Becky Burton both of Greensboro, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• Duluth First United Methodist Church, 3208 Duluth Hwy. 120, Duluth, GA 30096, or online by clicking on ONLINE GIFTS, or
• Wellroot Family Services, 604 Washington Street NW, A-6, Gainesville, GA 30501 or online at wellroot.org.