Buddy Ray Lockhart

Buddy Lockhart was the sixth of seven children born to John and Fannie Lockhart of Haleyville, Alabama. After graduating from Haleyville High School in 1957, Buddy moved to Birmingham where he worked in the office furniture business for his entire career. In 1974, he founded Alabama Business Furnishings, establishing his own successful company in downtown Birmingham, where he made lifelong friendships with vendors and customers alike. After selling the business in the late 1980s, he continued as an office furnishings consultant until well into the 1990s.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joyce Pannell Lockhart; his oldest daughter, Deborah L. Hollenstein (Pete), and her two adult children, Melanie and Andrew; his youngest daughter, Linda L. Gregg (Wally) and her two adult children Carter and Sydney (Jake), and two great-granddaughters, Claire (2) and Audrey, born August 30th of this year.

Buddy was a founding member of the Businessmen’s Sunday school class at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, the Downtown Kiwanis Club, and the Birmingham chapter of the Red Elephant Club. He was also an honorary member of the University of Alabama’s “A” Club and was a lifetime supporter of University of Alabama athletics.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Shades Mountain Baptist Church’s Conference Center on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the afternoon. Visitation will be from 12:00PM to 1:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Big Oak Ranch (www.bigoak.org) or Shades Mountain Baptist Church (www.shades.org), or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridouts.com for the Lockhart family.