LUFKIN, Texas – Archie Thompson Buddin Jr. 85, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at his home in Lufkin.
Born in New Zion, he was a son of the late Archie Thompson Buddin and Gladys Biggons Buddin Taylor. Known as “Sonny,” he was a graduate of Salem High School and The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, fought bravely in the Korean War and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.
He retired after a successful career in the automotive industry as a sales executive with Ford Motor Co., Subaru and Toyota.
Survivors include three daughters, Melanie Buddin Lyons of De Ray Beach, Fla., Michelle Buddin of Florence and Tiffany (Chad (McCardity) Buddin of Rosenberg, Texas; three granddaughters, Cassie Lewis, Hillary Lewis and Juliana Tomaika; a grandson, Jonathan Tomaiko; two sisters, Lois Ann Buddin (Donald) Coker of Turbeville and Mary Gayle (Jerry) Paul of Westerville, Ohio; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was shortly followed in death by a brother, Patrick Buddin of Center, Texas, who died Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, and was also preceded in death by another brother, Jerry Blake Buddin.
A memorial service for Archie Thompson Buddin Jr. was held Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, in Center.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or by visiting support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Memorial acknowledgements may be sent to Melanie Lyons, 250 S. Ocean Road, No. 270, Del Ray Beach, FL 33483.
Online condolences and tributes may be left for the family at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
Watson and Sons Funeral Home of Center handled arrangements.
