Buddy Southards

Buddy Southards, 71, of Lampasas, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020, in Austin, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Kempner City Cemetery in Kempner, Texas. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at Viss Family Funeral Home Burial and Cremation Services, 1614 S. FM 116,  Copperas Cove, Texas 76522.

Buddy was born in Bryson City, North Carolina to the late William Ralph and Edith Ellen (Waldroup) Southards on June 12, 1949.  He grew up in Bryson City and graduated from Swain County High School in 1967. Buddy joined the United States Army in 1969 and served from 1969 to 1971 during the Vietnam Conflict. He continued serving in the Army through the United States Army Reserve until his final separation in 1975.

He married Deanie Sue Cummings in San Saba, Texas, on April 30, 1981.

Buddy graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas in 1984. He worked as a funeral director and embalmer for numerous funeral homes in Central Texas. After retiring from his career in funeral service, he bought an RV and enjoyed working the gates at various RV parks. More recently, he enjoyed working at C&J Equipment Sales in Lampasas, Texas, where he was able to reconnect with the community.

He was an active member of Open Gate Cowboy Church in Lampasas, Texas where he had a passion for working with the youth, many of whom he would adopt and made sure they felt loved. Buddy was a former member of the Lions Club, Exchange Club, and Housing Authority board member. Buddy served as both Board Director and Ambassador for the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce for a number of years.

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 24 years; Deanie Sue Southards and his beloved dog, Pepe.

Buddy is survived by his children, Stacey Schwabe and husband, Dennis, James Southards, David “Scottie” Southards and wife, Christy; brother, Larry Southards; sisters, Linda Keener, Wanda Barker; four grandchildren, Tyler, Cody, Julia, Kaitlyn; one great-grandson, Eli; numerous nieces and nephews and his great-nieces, Shelby and Ceana. Buddy is also survived by Angel Shipler, Marisa Soules, Tamara Hall, Drew Hall, Ashley Hall, Kinsey Bahr, Crystal Tatum, Allyssa Amidon, all of whom he loved and considered family.