Terry Anderson

Last year, Bush was in south Mississippi setting up a fireworks stand when the owner of TNT Fireworks, Terry Anderson, called him and asked him to return as soon as possible.People were asking for "Granddaddy" Bush.

Bush attributes his popularity to the rapport that he and his customers have established through the years.He vividly recalls a customer who worked evenings and returned home one morning to find his two sons, then ages 7 and 10, waiting on the front porch steps for their dad to take them to "Granddaddy" Bush's to buy fireworks.He still sees those two boys as they return each year.His love for people and genuine kindness shines as he offers advice for purchases, gives safety tips and shares the excitement of the holiday with those who stop at his stand.

Bush is one of the 33 fireworks operators who received business licenses in Colbert and Lauderdale counties.

He has seen his sales double and expects the sale of fireworks to continue to increase dramatically as people celebrate this Fourth of July with a renewed sense of pride and patriotism.

"No one wants to put the state at risk," said Bush.