Buddy Ray Colvard

Buddy Ray Colvard was born July 13, 1932 to Loyd Davis and Josie May Delena Colvard in Lavaca, Arkansas. He died with his family by his side Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Santa Paula Community Hospital, following a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Margaret Genelle (Stubblefield) Colvard; sons and daughters, Steve and Pam Colvard, Mark and Debra Colvard, Joe and Nancy Dilbeck; grandchildren, Noel and Amy Kiesewetter, Ashley Colvard, Jeff and Cassie Lawhead, Nick and Megan Colvard, Jake and Jenny Dilbeck, Jonathan and Jared Colvard; 6 great grandchildren; and his sister Delena Starr and family.

In the midst of the Great Depression Buddy's family left Arkansas for California where they eventually settled in Santa Paula. Buddy attended Olivelands, Briggs, and Santa Paula High School. He was a proud Limoneiran and Cardinal. He served his country during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1957. Returning to his wife and two young sons, Buddy left his job driving a bus for Santa Paula High School to go to college. While attending Pepperdine college his third child, a daughter was born. He was the first member of his family to not only graduate from high school, but graduate from college with a teaching degree. He taught art and woodcarving at Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula from 1960-1987. Every day after school he always had a second, third or fourth job. Cutting meat at Bayless Market, hauling trash, teaching gymnastics at Ventura College, idle time was unacceptable.

Buddy was well known in the community as a funny and outspoken character. Once you met Buddy, you never forgot him, and he never forgot you. He spent countless hours in his home workshop, welding, inventing, and building anything you could imagine. Upon retirement, Buddy and Genelle left the city and bought a ranch in Wheeler Canyon. Those years were some of the happiest of his life. Every day you would find him driving one of his tractors or riding one of his horses. The Limoneira Ranch in Wheeler Canyon was where his family settled during the great depression, and to return to that canyon was a dream come true. Buddy and Genelle spent 25 years on their ranch, and Buddy loved nothing more than having his grandkids join them on weekends.

Returning to their home on Say Road, Papa and Nana spent the past 7 years celebrating their growing family. Grandkids marrying, and great grandbabies being born made Papa a happy man. He was always ready for a visit, and never short on conversation. He will be sorely missed, but his family rejoices that he is with His savior in heaven, free from pain or hinderance.

A viewing will be held at Skillin-Carrol Mortuary in Santa Paula on Friday, September 25th from 4-8pm. The memorial service will be held at his beloved Life Way Baptist Church in Santa Paula on Saturday, September 26th at 11am, with reception to follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Arrangements entrusted to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary (805) 525-3391.