He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Brenda. They were blessed to be happily married over 56 years. Daughters Robin (Matt), Joanna (Josh), his "perfect" grandchildren, Aaron, David, Savannah and Kylie, and his beloved 4-legged baby, Molly.
Family was his #1 priority. Close surviving members include cousins, Sylvia (Skip), Jimmy, sisters-in law Carolyn & Sharon, brother-in-law, Ralph, his special Aunt Tan & Aldric and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Butler & Juanita, sister, Martha, son-in-law, Troy and his favorite Aunt Blanche.
Buddy honorably served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam war where he developed a love for aviation. He graduated from South Georgia Tech with his A&P License. Then he began his 30 year career in the airline industry. He was thrilled to start his career In New Bern with Piedmont Airlines. He remained loyal to his first airline love and had his game room completely decorated with Piedmont memorabilia. He served in management in Jacksonville & Raleigh, NC, Charleston, West Virginia, Kalamazoo, Michigan and Tri-Cities, Tennessee. Upon retirement in 1999, he & Brenda retired back in New Bern and he was able to fulfill his life-long desire of living on the Neuse River.
In 2006 he started his second career with the Homeland Security Division of the NC Ferry System. He truly enjoyed this opportunity, retiring in 2012.
Buddy was a true man of God. He faithfully served in many church capacities. He taught Adult Sunday School and was an ordained Elder. Because of his deep faith, he joyfully walked the walk of a true Christian.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 25th at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern. Visitation is at 1:00 pm with service following at 2:00 pm. Dr. Dwight Williams, Pastor Rex Bennett and his cousin, Pastor Ray Conner, will conduct the service.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting:
https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Memorials/Memorials?px=8279178&pg=personal&fr_id=154020 Floral tributes are welcome.
He will be sorely missed.
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