He was born on September 4, 1926 in Chanute, KS and was the son of the late William Laverne and Marcella Flannery Budd.
Earl graduated from Kansas University and served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theatre.
He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and was very active in the community serving on various boards including Harrisonburg School Board, where he was a member and past Chairman; President of the Virginia Poultry Federation, a member of the Harrisonburg Electric Commission and served on the board of Good Printers.
Earl also was a member of B.P.O.E. #450 and Harrisonburg Lion’s Club.
He was an executive with Rockingham Poultry, Marvel Poultry, Valley Proteins and President of House of Raeford in Raeford, NC before retiring.
On April 30, 1953 he married the former Elizabeth “Betsy” Payne, who survives.
Also surviving are his children, Laura Lee B. Fleishman and husband, Jeff, of Williamsburg, Ann B. Mills and husband, Garth, of Bridgewater, John Patrick Budd, Sr. and wife, Tracy, of Roanoke, Edward F. “Ted” Budd and wife, Carrie, of Harrisonburg; 11 grandchildren, Winston Elizabeth Fleishman and fiancé, Chase Spong, Garth Mills, Jr., and wife, Maribeth, Daniel Mills and wife, Gabi, Molly Mills, Holland James, John P. Budd, Jr. and wife, Kristen, Mary Adams, Katie Budd and partner, Christopher Hall, Scott Budd, Jack Budd, and Allison Budd; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Bernard Budd and wife, Mitzi of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Merle J. Budd, a sister Mary Ann Barley and a brother, William E. Budd.
The family will receive friends 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Friday, July 6, 2018 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.
A funeral Mass will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Wood officiating. Burial will be in Woodbine Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bridgewater Healthcare Foundation, Inc., 302 N. 2nd St., Bridgewater, VA 22812 or Bridgewater Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Bridgewater, VA 22812.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com