Funeral services for Buddy Funderburg, 87, of Pleasant Hill, were held April 20 at San Patricio Baptist Church with the Reverends Danny Asbell and Alton Middleton officiating. Burial followed in the Cassell Cemetery.
Buddy was born on Thursday, November 26, 1931 in Grapevine, Arkansas, and passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Sabine Medical Center in Many.
No words describe someone better than Buddy Funderburg. Born in the mountains of Arkansas to an extremely poor family, Buddy learned early the importance of education, honesty, and hard work. Blessed with a God-given sense of direction, Buddy could navigate any terrain from an early age. After all “you’re not lost, you just haven’t got there yet”.
Though much of Buddy’s life was spent in the woods he understood God had a greater plan for his life and strove to learn all he could. After graduating high school he joined the Army where he traveled the world defending our freedom. After being injured in the Korean War, Buddy returned to the states and instructed new soldiers how to shoot left handed.
During that time he met the love of his life Donalene Liles and together they built a family dedicated to spreading the love of Jesus Christ through the best way he knew how—hard work. Buddy continued his military career as they worked to build their family while traveling the world. They endured many hardships during his 21-years of service including volcanic eruptions and travel aboard a naval warship across the Atlantic. It was also during his time in Thailand that he saved a man from drowning after their boat sank during a fishing trip in the ocean, for which he received the Soldier’s Medal.
After retiring from the Army in December of 1970 while stationed in Fort Polk, Buddy found his hunting and fishing paradise in Converse near the newly built, Toledo Bend. With the help of his children and wife, they built a home deep in the woods. Next, Buddy returned to school at the technical school in Many where he learned how to service TVs. Eventually opening his own company providing cable, Pleasant Vision, to the Pleasant Hill, Converse, and Noble areas. He remained in the Converse area until the death of Donalene in 2006. They were married 54 years. After, he moved to Pleasant Hill to be with his second wife, Patsy Hatfield, who passed last December. During his time there Buddy would again save a close friend from death as he fought off her attacker.
In the end much can be said about the life of Buddy Funderburg, but most importantly he deeply loved his family and community. He was often found bringing fish, peas, and deer meat to anyone who wanted or needed it regardless of age, race, location, or economic standing. Buddy was known for his outspokenness, love of hunting, and smile. And legend has it if you look down the road just at dusk you can still see that loaded down little truck and that big wave.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Funderburg and Ura Holden Funderburg; brothers and sisters; first wife, Donalene Liles Funderburg; and second wife, Patsy Hatfield Funderburg.
He is survived by his children, Linda Gaddis and husband Robert “Bob” of Pickens, South Carolina, Buddy Funderburg Jr. and wife Donna of Houston, Texas, Jill Rutherford and husband Buddy of Converse, and Judy Fox and husband Frank of Converse; grandchildren, Amanda Watkins, Abby Gaddis, Jonathan Funderburg, Luke Funderburg, Michael Funderburg, Kendall Rutherford, Bridget Tipton, Krystal Simmons, Casey Mathews and Kayla Fox; 12 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Pallbearers were Bob Gaddis, William “Buddy” Rutherford, Frank Fox, Jonathan Funderburg, Luke Funderburg, Michael Funderburg, Kendall Rutherford, Clint Simmons and James Robert Mathews.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.warrenmeadows.com